A shocking controversy erupted in South Mumbai after a complaint was lodged against a Colaba-based art gallery for allegedly displaying obscene paintings of Hindu deities Lord Shiva and Goddess Mahakali.
The Colaba Police have registered an FIR against Abhay Mascara and T. Vaikanna in connection with the case.
### Objectionable Artworks Reported
The complainant, Advocate Vishal Lalchand Nakhwa (45), a resident of Mandvi Koliwada, Masjid, stated that on September 26, he received a message on WhatsApp about objectionable artworks being displayed at Gallery Mascara, located at 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba.
When Nakhwa visited the gallery to verify the claims, he was allegedly shocked to find framed nude and obscene paintings of Goddess Mahakali and Lord Shiva under the title **“Union for Peace.”** In addition, he noticed several other paintings depicting nude men and women in sexual positions openly exhibited.
According to the complainant, there was no board or signage restricting the entry of minors below 18 years, which made the exhibition even more objectionable.
### Staff Reaction and Confrontation
Disturbed by the sight, Nakhwa confronted the staff present at the gallery. They informed him that the gallery was owned by Abhay Mascara and that the controversial paintings were created by an artist named T. Vaikanna.
When Nakhwa questioned them about the paintings hurting religious sentiments, the staff reportedly dismissed his concerns, stating it was the “artist’s perspective.” He further alleged that he was then asked to leave as the gallery staff locked themselves inside.
### Police Action Taken
Following the incident, Nakhwa called his colleague, Advocate Madan Shrikrishna Redij, who confirmed that the gallery was locked from the inside.
Subsequently, a call was made to the police control room (100), and officers soon arrived at the location.
The complaint was formally filed at Colaba Police Station against gallery owner Abhay Mascara and artist T. Vaikanna under charges of hurting religious sentiments by displaying obscene depictions of Hindu deities.
The police have registered an FIR, and further investigation is underway.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-colaba-art-gallery-booked-for-obscene-paintings-of-lord-shiva-and-goddess-mahakali
