Civil rights organizations and Christian groups have strongly denounced the alleged staging of a “murder attempt drama” by a self-styled pastor in the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident, which occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026, has drawn sharp criticism from various bodies who fear such fabricated events could undermine communal harmony and exploit vulnerable communities.
The Civil Rights Initiative Internationale (CRII) described the alleged staged event as “highly dangerous to society,” warning that such acts contribute to panic, communal tension, hatred, and misinformation. In a statement, CRII national president K. Babu Rao, a former IPS officer, emphasized that these fabricated incidents are often orchestrated for personal publicity and to serve vested interests, ultimately disturbing religious harmony. The organization also expressed concern over the increasing activities of individuals misusing Christianity for financial gain and personal enrichment, thereby bringing disrepute to the faith. CRII has urged the police to maintain a close watch and conduct thorough investigations into fraudulent religious activities to protect innocent believers and preserve social peace.
The Andhra Pradesh Christian Leaders Forum (APCLF), based in Visakhapatnam, echoed these sentiments. Chairman Oliver Ravi called for stringent police action and exemplary legal proceedings against the pastor, identified as Abhinay Darshan, who reportedly leads a group called the Citizen Protection Force. APCLF leaders characterized the incident as a “well-planned hoax” designed to garner cheap publicity, create communal tension in tribal areas, and mislead both the Christian community and the general public. Ravi stressed the importance of a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
According to reports, the staged event involved a purported attack where stones were thrown at a car. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, initially leading to outrage and claims that Pastor Abhinay Darshan had survived an attempted murder. However, subsequent police investigations reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting the entire incident was pre-planned. Police sources indicated that Pastor Darshan, along with several others, allegedly orchestrated the event. Evidence collected by investigators, including audio clips from Instagram, videos, social media posts, and medical reports, reportedly contradicted the claims of an attack. Audio messages recovered during the probe allegedly contained discussions among the accused regarding the location and method of staging the incident. Investigators also traced digital evidence through the social media account of one of the accused’s wives.
Officials stated that the pastor did not sustain serious injuries, and the incident was allegedly portrayed as an attempted murder using minor wounds to attract public attention. The ASR district superintendent of police, Amit Bardar, confirmed the arrest of the pastor and four other individuals. The police are also investigating the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the incident, including attempts to incite social unrest or provoke communal tensions. Authorities have issued a stern warning against spreading misinformation and creating communal disharmony, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those responsible. The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement agencies face in discerning genuine threats from staged events designed to manipulate public opinion and sow discord.
This alleged “murder drama” by the self-styled pastor underscores a broader concern within civil rights and religious communities regarding the misuse of faith for personal gain and the potential for such actions to inflame social tensions. The coordinated condemnation by multiple organizations signals a unified stance against activities that could jeopardize peace and mutual understanding.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and ensuring accountability for any actions that threaten public order and communal harmony.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
