By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru, Dec 6, 2024: Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore has denounced as “baseless and reprehensible” the reported statement of a person accused of vandalizing the statue of a Lingayat seer.
“We have learned through media reports of the unfortunate and deeply disturbing incident of the defacement and vandalization of the statue of Late Shri Shivakumara Swamiji in Girinagar, Bangalore. The act, which has rightfully outraged people across communities, has no place in our society,” said the archbishop December 5 in a press statement.
The prelate also urged the public not to be provoked by such acts.
The statue of Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami at Bengaluru’s Siddaganga Mutt was vandalised in the early hours of November 30.
The accused, Srikrishna, a 37-year-old delivery executive from Andhra Pradesh, was arrested. During interrogation, he claimed he was “inspired” to deface the statue by a vision of Jesus Christ in a dream.
The incident occurred around 1:30 am in Veerabhadra Nagar, where Srikrishna allegedly partially damaged the statue before leaving the scene. Local residents discovered the defacement the following morning and informed authorities. The police then arrested Srikrishna and produced him in court, where he was remanded in judicial custody.
Archbishop Machado hailed the seer as a revered symbol of peace, compassion and secular values who had inspired countless people. “His legacy promotes harmony, and any act of disrespect toward him is a violation of the very principles he upheld,” the Catholic leader asserted.
Dismissing the alleged culprit’s claim as “both baseless and appalling,” the archbishop said such statements are attempts to “sow discord and create communal tension.”
He urged the police to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation, ensuring that the individual responsible is held accountable, irrespective of his background or affiliations.
He appealed to people to remain calm and uphold peace. “Let us not allow such slanderous statements and provocative actions to disrupt the harmony of our society. Let the law take its due course, and let us stand united in preserving the values of mutual respect and brotherhood. “
The archbishop also said that Christians followed Christ’s teachings to love and serve all without discrimination. “Any action contrary to this is a betrayal of humanity. Let us collectively work towards fostering understanding and ensuring that Karnataka remains a beacon of tranquillity,”
Meanwhile the police have conducted a medical examination of the accused to assess his mental health and are continuing their investigation.
Shivakumar Swami, who died in 2019 at the age of 111, was widely respected for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in education and social welfare. The seer was often referred to as a “walking God” by his followers.
Lingayatism is a monotheistic religious sect of Shaivism within Hindu denomination. Lingayatism opposes the caste system and advocates social equality.
Unlike mainstream Hinduism, Lingayatism rejects scriptural authority of Vedas, Puranas, superstition, astrology, Vedic priesthood ritualistic practices, and the concept of rebirth, promoting a direct, personal experience of the divine.
Lingayats have been estimated to be about 16 percent of Karnataka’s population and about 7 percent of Maharashtra. Christians are only 1.91 percent of Karnataka’s 77.1 million people.