Delivery executive arrested for allegedly desecrating idol of Shivakumara Swamiji

A 34-year-old delivery executive, Shivakumar, was arrested by Bengaluru police on Wednesday for allegedly desecrating the idol of the revered spiritual leader, the late Shivakumara Swamiji, in south Bengaluru’s Bharat Nagar on November 30. According to reports, Shivakumar, a resident of Byadarahalli in west Bengaluru, damaged the idol using a stick around 1:30 a.m. The incident prompted a local resident to file a complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR under Section 324 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with mischief.

The police investigation revealed that Shivakumar may not have been in his right state of mind at the time of the incident, with his family corroborating this claim. Despite this, the police are continuing to probe the situation. Speculation arose in some media reports suggesting that Shivakumar’s religious beliefs were the motivation for the act. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lokesh B. Jagalasar rejected this claim, stating that no clear connection had been found between the incident and the suspect’s faith.

The Archdiocese of Bangalore issued a strong statement condemning the act, calling reports of Shivakumar’s alleged confession about being motivated by a dream involving Lord Jesus “baseless and appalling.” They emphasized that such statements could fuel communal tensions and urged for an impartial investigation. “We condemn this reprehensible act,” the Archdiocese said, advocating for accountability regardless of the suspect’s background. Shivakumar has been remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues.

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