India: Bangalore archbishop condemns vandalism of Lingayat Seer’s Statue, calls for unity and harmony

On December 5, in a press statement, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore strongly condemned the defacement of the statue of revered Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami, calling the act “baseless and reprehensible.”

The incident, which occurred on November 30 in Girinagar, Bengaluru, sparked outrage across communities. 

The accused, Srikrishna (35), a delivery executive from Andhra Pradesh, claimed during interrogation that a vision of Jesus Christ inspired his actions. 

Archbishop Machado dismissed this as “appalling and baseless,” emphasizing that such claims aim to provoke communal discord. 

The archbishop hailed Shivakumar Swami’s legacy of peace, compassion, and secular values, urging the public to remain calm and not let provocative actions disrupt societal harmony. 

“Let us stand united in preserving mutual respect and brotherhood,” he said in a December 5 statement. 

He also called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability, regardless of the accused's background. 

The police have since conducted a medical evaluation of the accused and are continuing their inquiries. 

Shivakumar Swami, known as a “walking God” by his followers, was a prominent Lingayat leader who championed education and social welfare. 

Lingayatism, a monotheistic Shaivite sect, rejects caste, superstition, and ritualism, advocating social equality and personal divine connection. 

Christians make up only 1.91% of Karnataka’s population, compared to Lingayats, who represent 16% of the state’s demography.

Archbishop Machado reiterated that Christians should uphold Christ’s teachings to love and serve all without discrimination, urging society to maintain Karnataka’s legacy of peace and unity.