Andhra Pradesh police have officially concluded that Pastor Praveen Pagadala, a well-known gospel preacher, died in a tragic road accident on March 24, 2025. The investigation has ruled out foul play, despite initial suspicions raised by the Christian community regarding the circumstances of his death.
Pastor Praveen, 45, was traveling from Hyderabad to Rajamahendravaram on a Royal Enfield motorcycle when the accident occurred. He was found dead near the Godavari bridge at Konthamuru village, with police reporting that he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Eluru Range Inspector General GVG Ashok Kumar provided a detailed account during a press conference on April 12, 2025, confirming that Pastor Praveen was traveling at approximately 70 km/h when he lost control of his motorcycle. The police investigation revealed that he had been under the influence of alcohol, having purchased it at multiple locations along his route.
According to the investigation, Pastor Praveen bought alcohol three times—first in Hyderabad, then in Kodad, and finally in Eluru—making digital payments via his phone. The police confirmed that he had been involved in three minor accidents prior to the fatal incident, which occurred as he approached Rajamahendravaram.
Investigators scrutinized over 600 CCTV recordings and interviewed 92 witnesses to piece together the events leading to the accident. The forensic analysis indicated that Praveen's motorcycle skidded on gravel at the accident site, resulting in him being thrown from the bike. There were no signs of any other vehicle colliding with his motorcycle, and the forensic reports ruled out foul play.
Pastor Praveen was en route to oversee construction on a Bible Mission College he had recently purchased land for in Namavaramm village. His family, including his wife, had not raised any doubts regarding the cause of his death, which further contributed to the police's conclusion that there was no foul play involved.
The investigation began after community leaders expressed concerns about the circumstances of Pastor Praveen's death. Former MP GV Harsha Kumar alleged that the incident might have been a targeted killing, reflecting wider fears of violence against Christians in the region. However, police officials emphasized that their investigation was thorough and based on solid evidence.
On March 27, 2025, following public outcry, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Inspector General Ashok Kumar stated that the investigation was conducted from all angles, including examining closed-circuit television footage and mobile call data records.
During the journey, Pastor Praveen communicated with several individuals, including friends and family, about his travel plans. His last known contact was with his wife, who was unaware of any imminent danger. The police noted that Praveen had been warned by friends against traveling alone on his motorcycle, but he chose to proceed with his plans nonetheless.
As the investigation progressed, police found that Pastor Praveen had a history of minor accidents during his journey. He had reportedly fallen off his bike at least twice before the fatal incident, once near Jaggayyapeta and again at Keesara, where he refused medical assistance from paramedics.
The final accident occurred near the Nayara petrol station on NH-16, where Praveen's motorcycle skidded and he fell into a roadside drain. Medical authorities declared him dead at the scene, and his body was subsequently sent for a post-mortem examination.
In light of the findings, police have registered eleven cases against individuals spreading false information about the incident, with one person already arrested. Officials urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors that could incite tension within the community.
Inspector General Ashok Kumar reiterated that the investigation was comprehensive, involving multiple agencies and the collection of substantial evidence. He urged the community to trust the findings and avoid speculation that could undermine public order.
As the community comes to terms with the loss of Pastor Praveen, the police have confirmed that the death was a tragic accident, and they are committed to maintaining peace and order as they continue to address concerns raised by the public.
With the investigation now closed, authorities hope to quell any remaining fears and restore confidence among the local community regarding safety and justice.
