Mystery surrounds death of noted Christian preacher in Andhra Pradesh

RAJAHMUNDRY: Mystery surrounds the death of noted international Christian preacher Pagadala Praveen Kumar (46), a native of Hyderabad, who was killed in an accident on the National Highway (NH-16) while traveling from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry on a Royal Enfield motorcycle.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and ordered an inquiry from all angles. He also spoke to AP Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta regarding the matter.

In response to concerns raised by Christian community leaders and Praveen Kumar’s relatives, AP home minister Vangalapudi Anitha has directed an in-depth investigation. She instructed East Godavari Superintendent of Police (SP) D Narasimha Kishore to examine CCTV footage from the accident site thoroughly.

"The post-mortem was recorded on video as per the demand of Christian community leaders," the East Godavari SP told The Times of India. He added that special teams, led by Kovvur DSP G. Devakumar, have been formed to investigate the accident.

Preliminary reports suggest that a cloud of dust formed when Praveen Kumar overtook a lorry and a car, after which he met with an accident. Police are currently tracing the vehicles involved to rule out any possibility of foul play.

The accident occurred on the intervening night of March 24 and 25 near Nayara Petrol Bunk, Konthamuru Village, in Rajahmundry rural mandal, East Godavari district. Following a complaint filed by Praveen Kumar’s relatives, the Rajanagaram police have registered a case under Section 174 of the CrPC (unnatural death).

Tension prevailed at the Government General Hospital (GGH), Rajahmundry, where Praveen Kumar’s body was kept. Thousands of people gathered, demanding a transparent investigation and insisting on a video-recorded post-mortem.

At one point, the crowd attempted to block the ambulance carrying Praveen Kumar’s body, prompting police intervention to disperse the gathering.

Former MP GV Harsha Kumar also visited the hospital to offer condolences to Praveen Kumar’s family.