Hanuman painting at IIT-B irks Shiv Sena

Mumbai: Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) students apologised to the Shiv Sena on Monday for an alleged ‘inappropriate painting’ of a Hindu God during the college’s ongoing annual cultural festival, Mood Indigo. The Shiv Sena workers, after receiving the apology, stated that the painting of the Hindu idol would hurt anyone’s sentiment as the idol was shown wearing shorts, shoes and socks.

After Sena workers put a white cloth on the painting, demanding an apology from the students over the incident, the organising committee of the festival tendered a written apology over the same.

Sunil Raut, a Shiv Sena MLA from Vikhroli, said, “Our party workers had demanded a written apology from the students as the idol of Maruti Hanuman was shown in shorts, wearing socks, and anybody’s religious sentiments could be hurt by the same. They have issued us a written apology and the matter was shut there.”

An apology letter by Akhil Dhoot, overall coordinator, Mood Indigo, reads, “Respected Sir, I would like to apologise for the inappropriate painting presented at Mood Indigo 2016. We did not mean to hurt the sentiments of any person. I would also state that we wouldn’t repeat the mistake again in the future. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.”

When our correspondent contacted Mr Dhoot, he refused to comment on the issue and threatened to take action if the story was carried.

Meanwhile, when contacted, IIT-B spokesperson Falguni Benerjee-Naha said, “I do not have any information regarding the incident or any apology tendered. I will have to check and get back to you.” However, till the time of going to press there was no official comment or statement from IIT-B on the same.