SH Raza’s Iconic Artwork ‘Prakriti’ Stolen from Mumbai Warehouse

In a shocking incident, a painting by renowned Indian artist Sayed Haider Raza, valued at over ₹2.5 crore, has been reported stolen from a warehouse in Mumbai. The artwork, titled Prakriti (Nature), was created by Raza in 1992 and had been stored at the AstaGuru Auction House Private Limited's warehouse at Ballard Pier in South Mumbai. The painting, an acrylic on canvas, was intended for auction but was discovered missing earlier this year.

Discovery of the Theft

The painting’s owner, Indra Veer, had entrusted the auction house with Prakriti for sale in 2020. The artwork remained in the warehouse during the pandemic and was last seen in March 2022. Upon conducting a search in 2023 for an upcoming auction, the auction house's Chief Administrative Officer, Siddhant Shetty, realized the painting was missing from the inventory, which included over 1,500 other artworks. Following the discovery, a complaint was lodged with the MRA Marg police station.

Police Investigation Underway

The police have registered a case under Section 380 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code. An official from the MRA Marg police station confirmed that a team has been formed to investigate the incident. While no suspects have been identified, police are working to recover the stolen painting by reviewing CCTV footage from both inside and around the warehouse. However, the cameras inside the warehouse only store footage for two months, potentially complicating the investigation.

Raza’s Legacy

Sayed Haider Raza, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 94, was a celebrated artist known for his iconic abstract works that blended Indian sensibilities with a modernist style. Having spent most of his career in France, Raza gained international acclaim for his contribution to Indian art. Prakriti is one of his notable works, exemplifying his deep connection to nature and spirituality.

The theft of this valuable painting has sent shockwaves through the art community. Police efforts are ongoing, with hopes of recovering the masterpiece and apprehending the culprits.