Photographer Raj Shetye took an image of a young woman, wearing a black dress and heels, being held by two men across the breasts and thighs.
Social media users responded that they found the photos 'disgusting' and 'horrible,' with many referring to the 2012 gang rape in which a young Indian woman died from horrific internal injuries.
MISSIONARY WHO RAPED CHILDREN AT ORPHANAGE SAYS DEMON TOOK OVER HIS BODY
However, Shetye has responded to the criticism, saying that his photos were a 'depiction of the situation of women' in India, and were not based specifically on the rape.
Despite this, many prominent Indian actors and actresses have spoken out about the callous nature of the shoot, writing: 'Rape is not inspiration for a fashion shoot. I don't know what the photographer was thinking doing an editorial shoot inspired by Nirbhaya.'