Two Charged After Algerian-French Artist's Exhibit Vandalised in Kochi

Kerala Police have booked two artists, Hochimin P H and Sudamshu, for vandalising seven linocut prints by Algerian-French artist Hanan Benammar at Kochi's Durbar Hall Art Gallery. The artworks were part of the 'Estranged Geographies' exhibition. The accused allegedly tore the prints, claiming they were "obscene and anti-women."

The case was filed based on a complaint from the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, which organized the exhibition, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal trespass, mischief, and common intention.

The Akademi chairperson condemned the act, stating the allegations were baseless and calling it an attack on artistic freedom that has outraged Kerala's art community.