Hindu Seer Statue Vandalized In Bengaluru; Accused Claims ‘Vision of Christ’ As Motive

In a shocking incident that has stirred south Bengaluru, a 37-year-old delivery executive, Srikrishna, was taken into custody by the Bengaluru Police for defacing the bust of the revered Lingayat seer, Shri Shivakumar Swami. This act of vandalism, discovered beside the flyover at Veerabhadra Nagar bus stop, occurred in the early hours of November 30. Srikrishna, accused of attacking the statue with a hammer and fleeing the scene, astonishingly cited a dream where he claimed Jesus Christ inspired him to commit the act.

Following the vandalism, the local community, upon noticing the damage, promptly alerted the authorities. Their outcry led to the immediate arrest of Srikrishna, who was later presented before a court and placed in judicial custody. The prompt response by the locals reflects the deep respect and reverence held for Shri Shivakumar Swami, whose contribution to society and spirituality is immense.

The Archbishop of Bangalore vehemently denounced the defacement, labeling the justification provided by Srikrishna as "baseless" and a potential source of communal unrest. "The reported confession by the alleged culprit, claiming that he was motivated by a dream involving Lord Jesus, is both baseless and appalling. Such statements seem to be an attempt to sow discord and create communal tension," the office of the Archbishop released in a statement. This condemnation underscores the broader concern for maintaining harmony and understanding across different communities.

In pursuit of justice and clarity, the Archbishop, along with the Catholic community, has called on law enforcement to undertake a "comprehensive and impartial investigation." They stress the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable, regardless of his background or affiliations, highlighting a commitment to fairness and the rule of law.

The police have charged Srikrishna under section 324 (5) (mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are further assessing his mental health to understand if it had any influence on his actions. This incident has not only led to a call for a thorough investigation but also sparked a dialogue on the need for sensitivity and respect towards all religious figures and symbols.