A pastor was followed home, kidnapped and punished for preaching his faith, an anti-persecution watchdog has warned.

According to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, the man was riding home on his motorbike when he was stopped by someone who appeared to be a police officer. Then out of nowhere, he was grabbed from behind and his mouth was covered with a cloth before he was pushed into a vehicle where he lost consciousness.

The pastor was then taken to an unknown location, where he was tortured with electric shocks for two days before his body was dumped outside by his attackers. Thankfully, a passerby discovered him and was able to take him to the hospital.

“We are witnessing that communities are being mobilized in an increasing manner against Christians,” a NCEASL lawyer told Morning Star News.

“The incidents are not anymore only led by extremist groups, but we are seeing that the extremist elements are able to influence communities as a whole and lead violent mob attacks against places of worship and people.”

The number of attacks on Christians because of their faith has increased, especially in areas like Sri Lanka. Between January and September, NCEASL has reported 67 attacks against Christians in Sri Lanka. As the attack numbers rise, fears of a worldwide crackdown against Christianity also rise with a growing spate of violent incidents against individuals found practicing or preaching their faith.

Researchers from Pew Research Center reported that Sri Lanka is one of the top countries where Christians are targeted for their faith.