Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, August 4, 2025 – The mysterious death of Pastor Praveen Pagadala, a prominent Christian preacher and apologist, continues to stir debate and speculation across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Found dead on March 25, 2025, near Konthamuru on the outskirts of Rajahmundry, the 45-year-old pastor’s demise has been mired in conflicting narratives, with police concluding it was a road accident caused by drunk driving, while Christian communities and his family allege foul play.
Incident Details
Pastor Praveen Pagadala, a Hyderabad-based evangelist and founder of Sakshi Apologetics, was traveling from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry on his Royal Enfield motorcycle to attend a religious convention and inspect a proposed Bible College site. On the night of March 24, he was last seen alive at 11:42 p.m. near the Kovvur Toll Gate, as captured by CCTV footage. His body was discovered the next morning by the roadside, alongside his motorcycle, prompting immediate suspicion due to the nature of his injuries and the scene.
According to the Andhra Pradesh police, led by Eluru Range Inspector General of Police G.V.G. Ashok Kumar, Pagadala’s death resulted from a road accident caused by alcohol consumption. The investigation revealed that Pagadala purchased liquor at three locations—Hyderabad, Kodad, and Eluru—via digital payments. The final accident occurred when his motorcycle skidded on crushed stones near Konthamuru, leading to severe head trauma and multiple injuries, as confirmed by the post-mortem and toxicology reports. The forensic analysis found ethyl alcohol in his system, and no evidence of another vehicle’s involvement was reported.
Community and Family Concerns
Despite the police’s findings, Christian organizations, including the National Christian Council and the Christian Democratic Alliance, have strongly contested the official narrative, alleging that Pagadala’s death was a “religiously-motivated murder.” They point to several inconsistencies, such as the intact condition of his helmet, minimal damage to his 350cc motorcycle, and a shoe print found on his chest, which they claim suggests foul play. Additionally, Pagadala had reportedly received death threats from communal groups prior to his death, fueling suspicions of a targeted attack.
Praveen’s wife, Jessica Pagadala, released a video statement condemning the spread of unverified claims and misinformation, urging the public to respect her husband’s legacy and refrain from politicizing the incident. She expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation but did not explicitly endorse the drunk driving conclusion. Similarly, Praveen’s brother, Kiran, called for an end to speculative narratives, emphasizing the need for a transparent probe.
Investigation and Legal Developments
In response to public outcry and allegations of foul play, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered a high-level investigation, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Kovvur DSP Dev Kumar. The SIT reviewed over 600 CCTV recordings and questioned 92 witnesses, concluding that the incident was a “self-road accident” due to alcohol consumption.
However, the case has taken a legal turn, with two Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Evangelist Dr. K.A. Paul, one of the petitioners, alleged that Pagadala was murdered by extremists and that police-released CCTV footage was fabricated. The court has issued notices to the state government, with a hearing scheduled for later this month.
Broader Context
Pagadala’s death has reignited discussions about the safety of Christian leaders in India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where Hindu nationalism has reportedly led to increased hostility against religious minorities. Christian groups have cited rising incidents of violence, including church vandalism and assaults on pastors, as evidence of a broader pattern. They have called for a special law to protect pastors and for a judicial inquiry into Pagadala’s death.
Meanwhile, the police have taken action against misinformation, booking 11 individuals for spreading false narratives about the case, with one arrest made. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified claims to maintain communal harmony.
Ongoing Debate
The case remains a flashpoint, with Telugu media outlets accused of prematurely concluding that Pagadala’s death was due to drunk driving, based on CCTV footage showing him purchasing alcohol. Christian groups have questioned the authenticity of this footage, suspecting digital manipulation. The controversy has also drawn political attention, with some alleging that certain parties are exploiting the incident to fuel communal tensions.
As the investigation continues and the High Court prepares to hear the CBI probe pleas, Pastor Praveen Pagadala’s death remains a deeply divisive issue, highlighting tensions between official accounts and community suspicions. The Christian community, along with Pagadala’s family, continues to demand a transparent and thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind his untimely demise.
