Many complaints but no FIR against noted painter M F Hussain

Panaji, July 10 (UNI) The Goa police have received as many as 32 complaints against renowned painter M F Hussain for allegedly painting the Hindu dieties in compromising position, thus hurting their religious sentiments.

Disclosing this during the question hour in the state legislative assembly in reply to an unstarred question, tabled by BJP leader Manohar Parrikar today, Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane told the House that of the total complaints received so far, 30 of them have been referred to the Crime Branch (CID) for action.

''However, no first information report (FIR) has been registered at any of the police stations, in which the complaints had been received. The matter is pending before the state high court and the Supreme Court,'' the Chief Minister said.

No action has been taken so far, as the matter is 'sub judice'.

As many as 23 complaints have been received from the North Goa and nine from the South Goa against the Mumbai-based artist, he said.

The complainants alleged that Hussain has insulted the Hindu deities by painting them in various compromising positions, with the intention to hurt their sentiments,'' he added.

UNI BM SSS VD HS2144