Police in Andhra Pradesh have arrested a Christian preacher and seven of his associates over allegations that they staged an attack on themselves to gain publicity and political attention.
Pastor Dara Abhinaya Darshan and his associates were detained on 19 May, one day after the alleged incident took place in Neeruthotapalem, a tribal village in Alluri Seetharama Raju district.
According to police, the group claimed they had been chased and assaulted by local residents while travelling in a vehicle. Videos and photographs of the alleged attack were later circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention and concern.
District police chief Amit Bardar told reporters that investigators concluded the incident had been carefully planned to attract sympathy and increase political support for the pastor’s newly formed Bharosa Party.
Police stated that evidence gathered from audio recordings, social media content and financial records indicated that the attack had been fabricated.
Authorities further alleged that local people were persuaded through financial inducements to participate in the staged event.
The accused now face several charges, including unlawful assembly, promoting hostility between religious groups, causing public mischief and deliberately hurting religious sentiments.
Christian leaders in the region expressed disappointment over the incident and warned that such actions damage the reputation of genuine Christian ministry and social outreach.
Father Madhu Balaswamy, former chancellor of Guntur Diocese, said the episode had harmed the public image of Christians in the state. He acknowledged that Pastor Darshan had previously been involved in welfare activities among tribal communities.
Oliver Rayi, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Christian Leaders Forum, criticised what he described as deceptive behaviour carried out in the name of religion.
Meanwhile, Goneh Solomon Raju of the Telangana United Christians and Pastors Association urged believers and the wider public to remain cautious of individuals who misuse faith for personal gain.
Christian leaders also stressed that acts of dishonesty can weaken public trust in legitimate faith-based service and community work.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by UCA News.
