Bengaluru: In a disturbing incident that has caused widespread outrage in the Girinagar area, the police have successfully arrested the man responsible for defacing the statue of Shivakumar Swamiji near the Veerabhadranagar bus stand. The statue, which was installed by the Jaya Karnataka Janapara Vedike organisation five years ago, was defaced by Sri Krishna, a 37-year-old food delivery worker. The act has sparked protests from local residents and members of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, who condemned the vandalism of the revered statue.
The incident took place in the early hours of November 30, around 1:30 am, when the accused, Shivakrishna, defaced the statue with an object before fleeing the scene. The residents, who were horrified by the act, immediately notified the police, prompting a swift response from the Girinagar Police. The police arrived at the scene, recorded the complaint, and began their investigation.
Following an extensive probe, the police arrested Sri Krishna, the primary suspect. During interrogation, Sri Krishna, who is reportedly influenced by Christianity, made an unusual and alarming claim. He allegedly told the police that Jesus Christ had appeared to him in a dream, which led him to destroy the statue of Shivakumar Swamiji. According to police sources, the accused stated that the dream had inspired him to commit the act, although the authenticity of his claim remains highly questionable.
Sri Krishna, who is reportedly unmarried and had been battling mental depression, has been under the influence of Christianity for the past three years. The police have conducted a medical examination to assess his mental state. Sri Krishna’s bizarre statement and his reasoning for vandalizing the statue have raised serious concerns about his intentions and mental health. The police have registered a case against him under Section 324 (4) of the BNS, which deals with intentional harm or damage to religious statues and symbols.
However, the controversial statement made by Sri Krishna has sparked further tensions. The Archbishop of Bengaluru and the Catholic community have strongly denounced the claim, calling it “baseless” and suggesting that it could be an attempt to incite communal tension and religious enmity. In a statement, the archbishop called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, emphasizing the importance of preventing any action that could disturb the communal harmony that Bengaluru is known for.
“This statement appears to be an attempt to create division and communal strife,” said the Archbishop. “We trust that the authorities will conduct a comprehensive investigation to ensure that the truth is revealed and that such incidents, which threaten the peace and unity of the community, are dealt with severely.”
Meanwhile, members of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha have also demanded strict action against Sri Krishna, pointing out the sacredness of the statue and how it represents the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. The statue, which had been a place of respect for the local community, was not just a tribute to Shivakumar Swamiji but a symbol of peace and reverence for many.
The Girinagar police have assured the public that they will conduct a thorough investigation into the motives behind the act and whether there is any broader agenda to disturb the community’s peace. Meanwhile, the local police are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any possible unrest.
The arrest of Sri Krishna has put the spotlight back on issues of communal harmony and the protection of religious symbols in the city. As the investigation unfolds, questions are being raised about whether the defacement of the statue was truly an isolated incident, or part of a larger, more troubling trend of religious intolerance.
The police and local leaders are calling for restraint and cooperation from all communities, urging citizens to avoid taking matters into their own hands and to allow the law to take its course.
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