Pastor Praveen's death accidental: Police
The IG said that extensive investigation was carried out to determine the circumstances of the death. Over 400 CCTV footage clips from eight toll gates and other key points were reviewed, which helped trace Praveen’s movements
KAKINADA: Eluru Range inspector-general G.V.G. Ashok Kumar clarified that the death of Pastor Praveen Pagadala on March 24 was accidental, caused by a fall from his motorcycle near a rainwater drain along the Kovvuru–Diwancheruvu National Highway. Addressing the media in Rajamahendravaram on Saturday, he said that Praveen was under the influence of alcohol, riding a bike without a headlight, and had travelled a long distance before the fatal incident.
The IG said that extensive investigation was carried out to determine the circumstances of the death. Over 400 CCTV footage clips from eight toll gates and other key points were reviewed, which helped trace Praveen’s movements. Several expert teams, including the East Godavari Fingerprints Unit, district transport officer, Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs), and Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (APFSL) officials, visited the accident site and thoroughly examined the scene and the vehicle.
Recovered items included Praveen’s helmet, spectacles, an N95 mask, and bloodstains. The blood samples were collected and sent to the RFSL lab in Vijayawada for analysis.
To ensure a detailed probe, five special teams were formed under the supervision of investigation officers G. Deva Kumar and Y. Srikanth. These teams were deployed to multiple locations, including Vijayawada and Hyderabad, while another team monitored technical inputs and movements around Praveen’s residence.
Praveen Kumar Pagadala (46), a resident of Hyderabad, ran First Rate Infotech Private Limited and was a part-time Christian preacher and motivational speaker. He had set out on his motorcycle from Hyderabad to Rajamahendravaram on March 24 but was found dead later that night near a petrol station at Konthamuru.
A passerby, Shaik Subhani, alerted the police via emergency services (112). Rajanagaram SI Manohar and ASI Veerraju reached the spot, brought in a doctor, and confirmed Praveen’s death. Police then informed his family using the contact details on his phone.
During the investigation, officials found that Praveen had fallen off his bike at three other locations — Chillakallu, Keesara Toll Gate, and Ramavarappadu Ring — sustaining injuries along the way. He had also purchased alcohol at two points during his journey. His phone records and nearby vehicle data involving six other vehicles were also analysed.
The case was registered based on a complaint by Samuel Walles, and police stated that all angles were thoroughly examined before concluding it was an accidental death.