Statue of Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami vandalized; accused claims ‘vision of Jesus’ as motive

Row breaks out over man defacing seer Shivakumar Swami’s statue in Bengaluru

The statue of the revered Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami of Siddaganga Mutt in Bengaluru was vandalized on November 30, sparking outrage across Karnataka. The accused, Srikrishna, a 37-year-old delivery executive from Andhra Pradesh, was arrested soon after. His peculiar explanation for the act—claiming he was “inspired” by a vision of Jesus Christ in a dream—has baffled both the police and the public.

Incident and arrest

The vandalism occurred around 1:30 AM in Veerabhadra Nagar, Bengaluru. Srikrishna allegedly approached the statue and partially defaced it before fleeing the scene. By morning, local residents discovered the desecration and informed authorities. Protests erupted in the area, with residents demanding immediate action against the perpetrator.

Police swiftly arrested Srikrishna, who confessed to the crime during interrogation. He was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody.

Community outrage and condemnation

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with leaders and community members calling for unity and calm. Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, denounced the accused’s justification as baseless and called for an end to communal provocation.

“This disrespect toward a great saint like Shivakumar Swami Ji, a symbol of peace, compassion, and secular values, is unacceptable. Such statements aim to spread communal tension and discord,” said the Archbishop.

Police investigation and mental health evaluation

The police are investigating whether Srikrishna’s mental health played a role in his actions. A medical examination has been conducted, and further evaluations are ongoing. Authorities remain cautious about attributing the incident solely to psychological factors until the investigation is complete.

Legacy of Shivakumar Swami

Shivakumar Swami, often referred to as a “walking god,” was a highly respected figure in Karnataka. A revered Lingayat seer, he dedicated his life to philanthropic work, particularly in the fields of education and feeding the underprivileged. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 111, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.

The desecration of his statue has caused widespread anger, with calls for preserving the harmony and unity that the seer embodied throughout his life.

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