Visakhapatnam: ASR district police on Tuesday arrested a pastor from Kadapa and four others for allegedly staging a fake attack in the forest area under GK Veedhi mandal on Monday afternoon.
The incident had initially triggered outrage after videos surfaced on social media showing stones being thrown at a car, along with claims that Pastor Abhinay Darshan from Kadapa had survived an attempted murder.
However, during the investigation, police reportedly found evidence suggesting that the entire incident had been pre-planned and staged.
Police sources said Pastor Abhinay Darshan, who reportedly claims association with the “Bharosa Party”, along with six others, allegedly orchestrated the incident.
Investigators collected evidence from Instagram audio clips, videos, social media posts and medical reports, which reportedly contradicted the attack claims.
According to police, audio messages recovered during the probe allegedly contained discussions among the accused regarding where to stage the attack and how to create the scene. Investigators also traced digital evidence through the social media account of one accused person’s wife.
Officials said the pastor did not sustain serious injuries, but the incident was allegedly projected as an attempted murder using minor wounds to gain public attention.
“We have taken the pastor and four persons into custody and are questioning those who travelled in the vehicle and others who allegedly acted as attackers,” ASR district superintendent of police Amit Bardar told this correspondent.
Police are also probing whether there was a larger conspiracy behind the incident, including attempts to create social unrest or provoke communal tensions.
Officials warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible for spreading misinformation and creating communal disharmony.
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