Pagadala Praveen Kumar: Uncertainty Shrouds the Death of Prominent Christian Preacher in Andhra Pradesh

Rajahmundry latest news: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed regret over the incident and demanded an investigation from every angle. He also spoke with AP Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta about the incident.

Concerns have been expressed in the media by Christian community leaders as well as Pagadala Praveen Kumar family members, AP home minister Vangalapudi Anitha has ordered a thorough investigation. She directed East Godavari Superintendent of Police (SP) D Narasimha Kishore to review CCTV footage investigation taken from the scene of the accident thoroughly.

"The post-mortem was recorded on video as per the demand of Christian community leaders," the East Godavari SP said to The Times of India. He also said that special teams, headed by Kovvur DSP G. Devakumar have been set up to look into the incident.

Initial reports suggest that dust clouds formed as Praveen Kumar sped across the road to the lorry and car and was then involved in an auto accident. Police are currently tracking the cars involved to eliminate any chance of criminal activity.

The incident occurred in the night between the 24th and 25th of March, near Nayara Petrol Bunk, Konthamuru Village located in the Rajahmundry rural mandal East Godavari district. After a complaint was filed by Praveen Kumar's family members, Rajanagaram police have filed an investigation in Section 174 under the CrPC (unnatural deaths).

Tensions were high in The Government General Hospital (GGH), Rajahmundry, where Christian preacher death body was held. Many people congregated and demanded an open investigation and demanding an audio-recorded postmortem.

At some point, the crowd tried to stop an ambulance transporting Praveen Kumar's body. This prompted officers to break up the crowd.

The former MP GV Harsha Kumar was also in the hospital to express condolences for Praveen Kumar's relatives.