Andhra Pradesh government initiates investigation into suspicious death of pastor

Amaravati, March 26 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh has initiated an investigation into the death of Pastor Praveen Pagadala, which has raised numerous suspicions.

Christian organizations have expressed concerns regarding potential foul play, prompting the state to assign an executive magistrate to oversee the investigation. Additionally, the East Godavari Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding his death.

On Tuesday, the lifeless body of Praveen Pagadala (45) was discovered adjacent to his motorcycle by the roadside in Kontamuru, near Rajahmundry.

While authorities claim he succumbed to injuries from a road accident, his family and followers are convinced he was murdered, as he had recently reported receiving threats.

For the second day in a row, tensions flared at the Government Hospital in Rajahmundry, where representatives from various Christian organizations convened to demand a comprehensive investigation.

Praveen, who resided in Hyderabad, was traveling to Rajahmundry on his Royal Enfield motorcycle after attending a church event in Kovvur on Monday night. Bystanders discovered his body on Tuesday morning.

The East Godavari Superintendent of Police (SP), Narasimha Kishor, informed reporters that Praveen's mobile phone was located near his body, with his last call made to a contact named Rammohan. The police alerted Rammohan, who promptly arrived at the scene and identified Praveen. Subsequently, authorities notified his family in Hyderabad.

Following a complaint from Praveen's brother-in-law, police initiated a case concerning his death under suspicious circumstances. Evidence collection from the scene involved the assistance of a dog squad and a clues team.

The SP mentioned that a team of medical professionals conducted the postmortem, which was recorded on video. Praveen's body was returned to his family on Wednesday. CCTV footage showing Praveen riding his motorcycle near the Kovvur toll gate and around Kontamuru was obtained, revealing interactions with a red car.

Authorities suspect the accident transpired at 11:43 PM. “We are currently analyzing the evidence to ascertain the events between 11:31 PM and 11:42 PM. We are employing advanced technology to identify the vehicle,” stated the SP.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the case, led by Kovvur DSP Deva Kumar and comprising two circle inspectors and two sub-inspectors.

The SP assured that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly from all perspectives. Individuals with any pertinent information regarding the incident are encouraged to share it with the police.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences over Pastor Pagadala Praveen's death, stating on X that initial police findings indicated a road accident as the cause. However, he emphasized the necessity for an extensive investigation due to the concerns raised by various groups.

Prominent evangelist and Praja Shanti Party President K. A. Paul suggested that the positioning of the motorcycle near the body contradicts the notion of an accident.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his sorrow over Pastor Praveen Pagadala's death, calling it a tragic loss.

In light of the suspicions voiced by Praveen's close associates and relatives, Jagan Mohan Reddy urged the government to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.