Indian pastor, 7 others arrested for staging attack on self

Police in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh have arrested a Christian preacher along with his seven associates, accused of staging an attack on themselves to seek publicity and sympathy.

Dara Abhinaya Darshan, 37, and his seven associates were arrested on May 19, a day after they were accused of committing the crime in the tribal village of Neeruthotapalem in Alluri Seetharama Raju district, police said.

The pastor and associates were accused of staging the incident in which they were chased and attacked by local people while traveling in a vehicle. The images and videos of the incident were then posted on social media, sparking a storm.

District’s police chief Amit Bardar told reporters on May 20 that it was “a pre-planned publicity stunt” intended to gain “political mileage” for the pastor’s political party, Bharosa (Trustworthy) Party, launched on March 26.

They sought to benefit the party by raising communal tension in the district, he said.

Bardar confirmed the arrests and said police investigation of social media audio chats, videos, and financial transactions “clearly show the attack was entirely fabricated.”

The arrested have been charged with unlawful assembly, promoting enmity between religious groups, outraging religious feelings, deliberate intent to hurt religious feelings, and public mischief, he said.

They allegedly mobilized locals through inducements and monetary transactions to set up the staged attack.

The arrested aimed to “create a sensational narrative of communal tension, gain political mileage, attract public sympathy, and increase social media attention,” said the officer.

Christian leaders expressed dismay, calling it a disgrace.

“This incident has tarnished the good image of the Christian community across the state,” Father Madhu Balaswamy, former chancellor of Guntur diocese, which covers the area, told UCA News.

He acknowledged Pastor Darshan’s past contributions to the welfare of tribal people and his collaboration with the government on solutions to socio-economic problems.

Oliver Rayi, chairman of Andhra Pradesh Christian Leaders Forum, an ecumenical body, condemned the pastor.

Rayi told UCA News that such “fraudulent acts” by those who project themselves as religious leaders bring disrepute to the community and erode public trust in genuine faith-based service and social work.

Goneh Solomon Raju, general secretary of the Telangana United Christians and Pastors Association, said Darshan has misused the Christian religion for selfish purposes and brought disrepute to the Christian faith

He appealed to the Christian community and the public to remain alert against “fraudulent operators.”

This article was originally published on https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-pastor-7-others-arrested-for-staging-attack-on-self/113415