RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Police are tracing the movements of pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar in Vijayawada on March 24, focusing on his activities between 4 and 9 pm.
Authorities are scrutinising CCTV footage from various locations to determine if he met anyone or spent time in specific areas during his four to five-hour stay.
Giving details of the four-day probe into the death of Praveen to media here on Saturday, Eluru Range Inspector General GVG Ashok Kumar and East Godavari District Superintendent of Police D Narasimha Kishore revealed that the CCTV footage was obtained from multiple locations. “Efforts are underway to collect private CCTV footage from Hyderabad and Vijayawada,” he said.
The police officials made it clear that four cars that passed the accident site have no connection with the incident. The drivers and owners of the four cars were questioned. It was revealed that the vehicles belonged to a family en route to the Subrahmanya Swamy temple, a Forest Range Officer’s family, a bio-product salesperson, and Kateru family.
Forensic report expected in 15 days
Three drivers claimed they did not witness the accident. However, an occupant of the fourth car reported seeing luggage on the rear of Praveen’s bike. Investigations showed a reasonable distance between the cars and the motorcycle at the time of the accident.
The IG and SP said they will re-question the four car drivers in the coming days to address the ongoing doubts and concerns. According to preliminary forensic reports, no technical anomalies were found. The report only described the wounds sustained by the deceased. Notably, there were no shoe footprints on the victim’s chest. The final forensic report is expected to take 10-15 days.
Meanwhile, investigations revealed that Praveen recently purchased a plot at Namavaram on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram through intermediaries Akash and John. The property, registered on March 12, was purchased in his daughter’s name for the construction of a Bible Building.
Additionally, Praveen had rented a house at Lalacheruvu, paying an advance of Rs 8,500 to the owner. Praveen had informed only his wife, Akash, and John about his planned arrival in Rajamahendravaram, they said. The police team questioned Praveen’s family members, including his wife, daughter, mother, and paternal aunt, in Hyderabad. His wife expressed faith in the police investigation, and stated she didn’t suspect anyone.
The police assured that their investigation is transparent, ongoing, and being closely monitored by Chief Minister Chandrababu, who had a 40-minute conversation with police officials. The Forensic Science Laboratory report will provide crucial toxicology results, they added.