A protest exhibition organized in support of painter M F Husain, whose portrayal of Hindu goddesses has invited the wrath of Hindu activists, ran into rough weather in New Delhi on Sunday as some people vandalised his paintings.

"The incident took place at around 3.30 pm when a group of around 15 people reached the exhibition venue and tried to damage the paintings," said Rajan, one of the organisers.

"They were shouting slogans and holding placards reading Bharat Mata ki Jai, Jai Shri Ram," Rajan added.

The symbolic exhibition was organised under the aegis of the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT) at the Constitution Club in New Delhi.

SAHMAT activists alleged attackers were from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

SAHMAT was displeased over the India Art Summit's decision against showcasing Husain's work during the three-day, first-of-its-kind event. In a gesture of solidarity with the artist, the cultural activist organisation decided to organise a parallel exhibition showcasing only his work.

Some policemen reached the spot soon after the incident but the miscreants had managed to escape by then.

No formal police complaint was lodged immediately.