Pastor, seven others held for staging attack on self

The Paderu police on Wednesday arrested pastor Abhinay Darshan, founder of the ‘Bharosa Party' and leader of the Citizen Protection Force, in connection to an attack on him in Alluri Sitharama Raju on May 18, 2026.

Addressing a press conference at the District Police Office, Paderu, Superintendent of Police, ASR district, Amit Bardar said that investigations revealed that the alleged attack on Abhinaya Darshan at Niruthotapalem under Chintapalli police station limits on May 18, was part of a pre-planned conspiracy orchestrated by Abhinaya Darshan himself and another accused Kiran George, in collusion with Bhanu Prasad, Sudarshan, and a few others. The allegedly orchestrated the incident to create a sensational narrative to gain political mileage, attract public sympathy, increase social media attention."They mobilised locals from Dumbriguda and nearby areas through inducements and monetary transactions, and allegedly engaged them to participate in the staged attack on Abhinaya Darshan. Investigations revealed that the allegedly pre-planned incident was recorded and subsequently circulated through social media and media platforms with the intention of creating fear, disturbing communal harmony, and spreading public unrest in the area and across parts of the State,” the SP said.Meanwhile, sources from Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), said that during the probe several past cases related to Abhinaya Darshan came to light. The past cases include dowry harassment, multiple marriages, criminal intimidation, and alleged fraud against women.Originally from Kadapa, Abhinaya Darshan is said to have studied Animation Engineering before taking up pastoral activities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Authorities allege that he entered into marriage with multiple women without the knowledge of his first wife and subjected her to harassment for money and loans.Police records reportedly show cases registered at Vizianagaram One Town Police Station under charges of criminal intimidation and abusive behaviour, while Kadapa Chinna Chowk Police Station have booked him and family members under Sections 498-A and 494 IPC, along with provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act.Investigators are also probing possible political links to his recent activities, including social media campaigns, donation collections in the name of a political outfit, and his ongoing padayatra in agency areas, CMO sources added.Andhra Pradesh Christian Leaders Forum (APCLF) members, condemned pastor Abhinay Darshan for staging the fake attack. Chairman of APCLF, Oliver Rayi, demanded stringent police action and exemplary legal proceedings. He said that the APCLF expresses deep shock, disappointment with Abhinay Darshan, who claims to be a Christian evangelist and leader of the so-called Citizen Protection Force.“Such fraudulent acts by individuals who project themselves as religious leaders only bring disrepute to the Christian community in Andhra Pradesh but also erodes public trust in genuine faith-based service and social work,” he added. Published - May 20, 2026 07:51 pm IST