As the suspicious death of Christian evangelist Pastor Pagadala Praveen near Rajahmundry on March 25 sparked statewide outrage among the Christian community in Andhra Pradesh, the police have now confirmed that it was an accident, not a murder.
Addressing the media, Eluru Range Inspector General of Police Ashok Kumar stated that a comprehensive investigation revealed Pastor Praveen died after falling off his Bullet motorcycle in a drunken state near Rajahmundry.
“Praveen was seen interacting with several people along his route. We questioned multiple witnesses and thoroughly reviewed CCTV footage. There was no evidence to suggest foul play,” the IG said.
He added that even Praveen’s family had not raised any suspicions regarding his death.
“Those making claims on social media have failed to provide any credible evidence. Praveen’s family has expressed full faith in the police investigation and dismissed all circulating allegations as baseless,” he noted.
According to the police, Pastor Praveen had visited several liquor outlets in Hyderabad, Kodad, and Eluru.
“During his journey, he was involved in three minor accidents and made six UPI payments. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report confirmed the presence of alcohol in his system,” said the IG.
At Keesara Toll Plaza, Praveen reportedly lost control of his vehicle and fell. An ambulance and medical team were dispatched to assist him.
At the Ramavarappadu Junction, an auto driver noticed his condition. Acting on a traffic sub-inspector’s advice, Praveen rested for two hours in a nearby park.
Later, he was seen speeding across the Kommamuru flyover. At the site of the fatal accident, his Bullet motorcycle veered off the road — no other vehicle was involved.
Police confirmed there was a safe distance between his bike and the nearest car. Roadwork was in progress at the site, and loose gravel was scattered across the road.
“The forensic report concluded that the motorcycle hit the gravel, causing Pastor Praveen to be thrown off the bike, which led to his death,” the IG clarified.
