Dismissing widespread speculation and rumors surrounding the death of Pastor Pagadala Praveen, the Andhra Pradesh Police on April 12 officially declared that his demise was purely accidental, following a comprehensive investigation that utilized advanced forensic and technological tools.
Addressing a press conference in Rajahmundry, Eluru Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Ashok Kumar and SP Narasimha Kishore revealed critical findings from the investigation into the death of Pastor Praveen, who passed away on March 24.
IG Ashok Kumar said that the investigation began immediately after the incident and involved analysis of CCTV footage, mobile call data, UPI transaction records, and forensic evidence. The post-mortem was conducted on March 26, and samples were sent to the Hyderabad Forensic Laboratory.
All CCTV footage from the time Pastor Praveen left Hyderabad till he reached Rajahmundry was collected. “We traced his entire route and analyzed every stop, interaction, and movement,” said IG Ashok Kumar.
Finally police revealed postmortem report of Hindu-h@ter Pastor Praveen Pagadala.
“His blood contains high levels of alcohol. He died of accident due to intoxication.”
Now Hindus should come onto the roads and unite in one voice to arrest and file cases on all the pastors who… pic.twitter.com/UCgjywiQbh
— Tathvam-asi (@tathvamasi6) April 12, 2025
The police questioned everyone who had spoken to Praveen over the phone, as well as individuals who had seen or interacted with him along his journey. Phone payment details, including UPI transactions, were examined, and family members were also questioned. “None of them expressed any suspicion,” the IG said.
The investigation revealed that Praveen was traveling at around 70 km/h when he lost control of his bike due to a gravel-filled road, leading him to fall into a roadside pit. No other vehicle was involved in the accident.
CCTV evidence showed that Pastor Praveen visited liquor stores in Hyderabad, Kodad, and Eluru, with corresponding payments made via UPI. It was also found that he had three minor mishaps along the way, indicating signs of impaired judgment.
Traces of alcohol were found in his body, as confirmed by the post-mortem report. His spectacles were broken, and the headlight of his bike was damaged, forcing him to continue using only a blinker light to navigate.
IG Ashok Kumar said that Praveen had collapsed near the Keesara toll plaza, where ambulance personnel arrived to assist him. At the Ramavarappadu Junction in Vijayawada, an auto driver observed his condition, and on the advice of a traffic SI, Praveen reportedly rested for two hours in a nearby park. However, he did not heed the SI’s advice to discontinue his journey due to his physical state.
Despite his deteriorating condition, Praveen resumed his ride. The police noted that he was seen speeding over the Komthamuru bridge in Eluru before the fatal fall.
The forensic team from Vijayawada, who examined the accident site, concluded that no vehicle hit Praveen’s bike, and that the bullet bike he was riding flipped and fell onto him, causing fatal injuries.
Refuting conspiracy theories and accusations of murder being circulated online, IG Ashok Kumar emphasized, “There is no conspiracy. The forensic and investigative evidence is conclusive. We examined even suspicious-looking bikes in the vicinity and ruled out any foul play.”
He further warned that notices have been issued to individuals spreading false and baseless information on social media regarding the pastor’s death. “Legal action will be taken against those trying to mislead the public with fabricated claims,” he said.
IG Ashok Kumar added that none of those who made allegations online had come forward to provide any information or evidence to the police.
In Andhra Pradesh, the unfortunate death of Pastor Praveen has been cynically weaponised by sections of the Christian lobby, with several pastors and pro-Christian YouTube channels irresponsibly fuelling conspiracy theories—virtually triggering a digital war-like situation. Some pastors went as far as threatening street agitations and even targeted Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan with completely unsubstantiated accusations.
The comprehensive investigation by the Andhra Pradesh Police has meticulously traced Pastor Praveen’s movements through minute-by-minute CCTV footage and forensic evidence and it is expected to lay to rest the web of fabricated narratives. The post-mortem conclusively confirmed alcohol consumption, with no signs of external assault or vehicular impact.
Sahadev, a legal observer following the case, told Organiser that the police’s meticulous work and use of technology should put all misinformation to rest. “Now the focus must shift to holding accountable those who maliciously sought to frame this accident as a targeted killing by Hindus.
The attempt by these evangelical quarters to twist an individual tragedy into a tool of vilification against the Hindu community is not just misleading—it is deeply dangerous. Legal action against such wilful disinformation is not only warranted but necessary to safeguard societal integrity”, he added.
