RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM\VIJAYAWADA: Amid cries of foul play in the death of Hyderabad-based gospel preacher Pagadala Praveen (45) in a road mishap, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a thorough investigation, and directed DGP Harish Kumar Gupta to examine every detail of the incident. Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Praveen.
The incident occurred while he was going on a two-wheeler from Hyderabad to attend a Christian gathering in Chagallu, 30 km from Rajamahendravaram. The mishap took place near the Godavari Fourth Bridge at Konthamuru village in East Godavari district on Monday night. It was initially deemed a mishap by Rajanagaram police. The sudden death of the well-known preacher had raised suspicion, with many questioning the police narrative.
Gospel preacher Sabbella Prasada Reddy called for an in-depth probe, emphasising Praveen’s significant following in the Telugu States. “We suspect this was not a road mishap,” Reddy asserted, mentioning that Praveen earlier voiced concern about threat to his life from unidentified individuals. Describing Praveen as an exceptional scholar in Christian theology, Pastor John Wesley said, “We trust the system, but police should reveal the truth.”
Former MP GV Harsha Kumar alleged a targeted killing, linking the incident to a perceived rise in attacks on Christians after the NDA came to power in the State. “Praveen was murdered, not killed in an accident,” the former MP claimed, accusing fundamentalist groups of targeting him out of envy for his oratory prowess. “The government should address our doubts with an open investigation,” the former MP said.
Terming Praveen’s death deeply saddening, YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident.
Forensic & sniffer dog squad pressed into service
HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed shock over the untimely demise of Praveen. In a post on X, he said, “I am stunned by Pastor Pagadala Praveen’s sudden death. I pray for his soul’s peace and offer my sympathies to his family. Though initial reports suggest a road accident, we will conduct a full investigation given the suspicions raised.”
East Godavari SP D Narasimha Kishore said a special team, led by Kovvur DSP Dev Kumar, would investigate the incident. “We are probing the case from all angles. We have collected two video footages, and Praveen’s phone, which revealed that his last call was made to friend Rammohan in Rajamahendravaram,” the SP said.
The police have also identified six vehicles that passed the highway at the time of accident. The vehicle drivers are likely to be questioned. Forensic teams and sniffer dog squad were pressed into service, and the collected evidence was sent to laboratory for analysis.
The SP revealed that Praveen left Hyderabad at 11 am on Monday, reached Kovvur toll gate at 11.31 pm. He met with the fatal crash 10 minutes later.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha ordered a comprehensive probe, instructing police to analyse the CCTV footage. She spoke to the East Godavari SP, who confirmed that the postmortem — videographed at the request of Christian organisations — took place amid protests at Rajahmundry Government Hospital. Demonstrators blocked roads, and staged a dharna, raising slogans against the government. Praja Shanti Party chief KA Paul was denied entry into the postmortem room, intensifying unrest.
The postmortem was conducted under tight security by forensic experts, and witnessed by two doctors from Christian groups on Wednesday. After that, Praveen’s body was shifted to Trimulgherry graveyard in Hyderabad.
Who is Pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar?
Transitioned from a techie to an evangelist, Pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar was known for active participation in interfaith debates. His views on religion and social issues, particularly caste discrimination, drew support and criticism. He expressed concern about threats on social media to his life, and felt that his life was in danger a month ago. Praveen was a strong critic of the caste system, and its adverse social impact on Dalits. In a meeting, he referenced Mahabharata while criticising Sanatana Dharma, leading to widespread condemnation from Hindu groups. He urged people to rise above religious and caste divisions, advocating for a society where justice and fairness prevail