A 34-year-old man from Bengaluru has been arrested. His name is Raj Vishnu. He is also known as Shiva Krishna. He was accused of vandalizing the bronze statue of Dr. Shivakumara Swami. Dr. Shivakumara Swami was a respected seer who passed away in 2019. He was 111 years old at the time of his death. The statue was installed in 2019 near the Veerabhadranagar bus stand in Girinagar. It was put there by the Jaya Karnataka Janapara Vedike.

The Vandalism Incident

The vandalism took place on November 30. Local residents were outraged upon discovering that the statue had been defaced. Vishnu, a resident of Byadarahalli, confessed to the crime while being questioned by the police. His reason for the vandalism raised eyebrows. He claimed that a dream had instructed him to destroy the statue. This unusual explanation has puzzled investigators. They are still trying to understand why he committed this act.

Reports indicate that Vishnu first noticed the statue while on his way to work. Later that night, he returned to the statue’s location on his scooter. He brought a hammer with him and began to damage the statue. The next morning, people found the statue defaced. This led to public outrage and a call for justice.

Community Response

The local community reacted strongly to the vandalism. Many residents were deeply offended by the act. They held protests demanding immediate action against Vishnu. Paramesh, the president of the Jaya Karnataka Janapara Vedike, filed an official complaint with the police. He called for a review of nearby CCTV footage for further evidence. The statue represented a significant part of the community’s heritage and honoring the late seer. Therefore, its defacement caused heightened tensions among residents.

Dr. Shivakumara Swami was known for his contributions to philanthropy and education. He was the head of the Siddaganga Mutt, a major religious and educational institution in Karnataka. Many people across different communities respected him for his service and spiritual leadership. His teachings and charitable work inspired countless individuals throughout his life.

Investigating the Motives

The incident has raised questions about religious sensitivities in the region. Many people are anxious about the motivations behind Vishnu’s actions. They are also concerned about his mental health. Although Vishnu’s claim of being instructed by a dream is his primary defense, authorities are exploring whether any other factors influenced his behavior. Investigators are determining if he acted alone or if anyone else was involved.

Police are focusing their investigation on collecting evidence. They are reviewing CCTV footage from the area around the time of the vandalism. They are also speaking with possible witnesses to gather more information. This evidence is critical for building a thorough case against Vishnu. Authorities are determined to get to the bottom of this incident.

Community Call for Justice

As the investigation unfolds, the local community demands justice. Many residents are asking for stronger measures to protect public monuments in the area. They want to prevent similar acts of vandalism in the future. The statue of Dr. Shivakumara Swami holds great significance for the community, and its desecration has struck a chord with many.

The statue served not only as a memorial but also as a symbol of respect for Dr. Shivakumara Swami’s work and legacy. The community’s response highlights their deep connection to the late seer and the values he represented.

Residents are looking ahead to fostering respect for public monuments and religious figures. They hope that this incident will lead to a broader discussion about community values and the importance of preserving heritage. Stronger laws and community awareness campaigns might also be on the horizon as residents rally together.