A tension prevailed in the tribal areas of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district near Paderu on Monday following an alleged attack on Christian evangelist and Citizen Protection Force leader, Pastor Abhinay Darshan. He is also founder of Bharosa political party.The incident took place at Niruthotapalem village under Chintapalli Mandal near here.According to the district police and local sources, the pastor was blocked by a group of unknown men while he was traveling through the Niruthotapalem area as part of his on going Padayatra. The attackers first threw eggs at him and then suddenly attacked him with sharp weapons, they said. The pastor suffered injuries and was left on the side of the road. Local residents spotted him, rushed to help, and moved him to the Government Area Hospital in nearby Jerrela for immediate treatment.The local police are registering a formal case, and special teams have been sent out to catch the attackers and find out the reason behind the assault.When contacted, ASR District Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar confirmed the incident and said that the police have taken immediate action.“A case has been registered. The victim’s condition is out of danger. The investigation is going on,” Mr. Bardar said.Security has been increased in sensitive parts of the Paderu constituency to prevent any community clashes or law and order problems.Senior police officers have requested citizens to maintain peace and not share unverified rumors or provocative posts online. The police department has assured the public that a fair and complete investigation is underway to arrest the criminals quickly. Published - May 18, 2026 11:25 pm IST