MUMBAI: Unlikely as this may sound, the police may have recently stumbled upon a priceless painting during a search for firearms at an Oshiwara real estate agent’s residence. The agent, Majeed Sultan Khan , told the cops that it was a 19th century masterpiece by celebrated Spanish painter Francisco Goya. The police have sent it to the archaeological department to verify its authenticity.The Oshiwara police had received an anonymous complaint on February 3 alleging that Khan possessed illegal weapons. The cops landed at his home and recovered two air guns and two rifles—all of which were licensed. However, during the search, they caught sight of the painting which appeared out of place in the broker’s residence. The agent claimed it was the master’s original 19th century canvas ‘Saturn Devouring His Son’. Khan added that it was a gift from a developer friend who owed him Rs 40 lakh.The police suspect that the painting may have been stolen. They have arrested Khan for keeping it in his possession without any documents and have seized the canvas.The police have asked experts to verify the genuineness of the Goya painting found in real estate agent Majeed Sultan Khan’s Oshiwara home. Officials told TOI that they have studied most of the material related to the painting, but have not found any report stating that it was missing or stolen from Spain.Senior police inspector of Oshiwara police station Dilip Rupawate said, “We are not sure about its genuineness. However, Khan has claimed that it is a Goya original. We are waiting for the archaeological department’s report to proceed in the case.”The police said that while searching Khan’s chawl room they had noticed the well covered canvas and asked him about it. Khan willingly showed it to them, stating its history and importance. He told the police that he could have easily sold it for Rs 2 crore, but was waiting for a customer who would be willing to pay more.After consulting their seniors, the policemen asked Khan to produce the purchase documents of the painting which he was unable to. The police then seized the painting and took him to the police station for questioning. Khan then told them that a developer, whom he had helped in a land deal, owed him money.The developer gifted the painting to Khan stating that it was worth a few crores and he could sell it off after finding an interested buyer.An officer said, “We had not called the developer for the questioning because we first need to authenticate the paining. Once it is established as an original Goya, we will try to trace the smuggling channel through which it reached the city.”