Bengaluru: On November 30, the statue of the esteemed Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami from Siddaganga Mutt in Bengaluru was defaced. The suspect, 37-year-old delivery executive Srikrishna, was arrested by the police. His explanation for the act, however, has left both authorities and the public of Karnataka perplexed. During questioning, Srikrishna, a native of Andhra Pradesh, admitted to the crime, stating that he was “inspired” by a vision of Jesus Christ in his dream.
The incident took place around 1:30 am in Bengaluru’s Veerabhadra Nagar, where Srikrishna allegedly approached the statue, defaced it, and fled. The damage was discovered by locals the following morning. The statue of Shivakumar Swami, who was regarded as a spiritual beacon and a symbol of unity and peace, has been a significant landmark for the region, especially among followers of the Siddaganga Mutt.
The defacement of the statue has sparked intense reactions across the community, leading to protests from locals who have demanded immediate and severe action against the perpetrator. The police acted swiftly, apprehending Srikrishna and presenting him before the court, where he was remanded to judicial custody.
Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, condemned the suspect’s reasoning as “baseless and reprehensible,” urging the public not to be swayed by attempts to stir communal tensions. “The aim of such statements is to create division and unrest. Disrespecting a saint like Shivakumar Swami Ji, who stood for peace, compassion, and secular values, is unacceptable,” the Archbishop stated. He further emphasized the importance of unity in Karnataka, pointing out that acts like this only serve to harm the social fabric of the state, which has long been a symbol of religious harmony.
Authorities are currently looking into whether Srikrishna’s mental health contributed to the incident. While a medical examination has already been conducted, the police are continuing with their probe, exploring all possible angles. However, they have stated that it is premature to attribute the crime solely to psychological factors without a thorough investigation. Experts suggest that understanding the suspect’s background and mental state may be crucial in determining the full context of his actions.
Shivakumar Swami, affectionately known as a “walking god,” was widely respected for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in education and helping the underprivileged. His Siddaganga Mutt has provided free education to countless children and has been instrumental in promoting social welfare. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 111, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and religious tolerance. The incident has deeply saddened his followers, with many expressing shock over the desecration of his statue, which they consider a sacred symbol of peace and enlightenment.
In response to the vandalism, local religious leaders and community groups have called for greater vigilance to protect religious and cultural symbols from being targeted. They also highlighted the need for interfaith dialogue to foster understanding and peace, especially in a time of heightened sensitivities. The state government has assured that further measures will be taken to safeguard religious institutions and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
