Other States - Maharashtra   

Artists, writers condemn attack on student

Staff Reporter

He was held for displaying art works branded `obscene' by right wing activists

MUMBAI: The artist fraternity gathered here on Thursday to condemn the attack on and arrest of art student Chandra Mohan on the M.S. University premises in Vadodara.

The post-graduate student of Fine Arts was held for displaying his "obscene" works at the varsity's annual exhibition The right wing activists, who alleged that the works were obscene, attacked him.

The artists' meeting was held at the Chemould Art Gallery in south Mumbai. Literary personalities also attended it and addressed issues behind the arrest of Mr. Mohan. Keku Gandhi, Ranjit Hoskote, Sharayu Joshi condemned it as an "attack on democracy" and pressed for better security for students.

Tushar Joag, who was present at the University when the incident happened, told The Hindu , "First around 10 people must have entered and they were speaking loudly. They almost took charge of the situation and then many more entered. The police were not letting the students enter but these guys were roaming freely. There is no doubt that this was done in connivance with the police. Moreover, the police did not register an FIR, which the students wanted to file against the attackers."

Sree Goswami, who runs a gallery in Mumbai, was also present when Mr. Mohan was arrested. She said, "Everyone was just watching and no one could do anything when the police led him away. We heard screams and shouts and some students tried to help him but they were beaten up too. Everyone felt helpless. But we should do something now in terms of legal help to get him out. He has been booked under non-bailable sections."

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Artists, writers condemn attack on student

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu