Pastor Praveen Kumar died in road accident, no foul play : Police

Rajahmundry, April 12 : Police on Saturday confirmed that the death of Christian preacher and motivational speaker Pagadala Praveen Kumar was the result of a road accident, bringing closure to a case that had stirred public speculation across Andhra Pradesh.

According to Eluru Range IG G V G Ashok Kumar, Praveen Kumar was riding his Royal Enfield from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry on March 24 when he met with three separate accidents en route. The final mishap near Konthamuru, close to Rajahmundry, proved fatal. He died on the spot after his bike skidded on crushed stones and hit a stationary object.

The toxicology report confirmed alcohol in his system, and CCTV footage corroborated with his UPI records showed that he purchased liquor three times during the journey. His bike was reportedly travelling at 70 km/h when the crash occurred, and the headlight fuse blew post-impact.

Police examined more than 400 CCTV clips and questioned 92 witnesses. Forensic analysis ruled out any external collision, and four nearby vehicles were cleared of involvement. The post-mortem revealed severe head trauma and multiple injuries, possibly worsened by two earlier falls on the same day.

Praveen Kumar had been heading to inspect land in Namavaram for a planned Bible college. Only his family was aware of his journey. Eluru Range IG G V G Ashok Kumar confirmed there was no foul play involved. Police booked 11 individuals for spreading false information about the incident, and one arrest has been made.