Even as the Andhra Pradesh police continue their investigation into the death of Christian preacher pastor Praveen Pagadala, Telugu news channels have gone ahead and declared that he died due to an accident caused by drunk driving.
By releasing CCTV footage of the pastor buying alcohol at liquor stores along with testimonies of the petrol bunk employees and traffic police, news channels have effectively declared that the pastor was not killed but died in a road accident under the influence of alcohol. The East Godavari police, who are investigating the case, have not announced any cause of death. Senior police officials said that a final post mortem report and forensic report were awaited.
The death of Praveen Pagadala has had Christian groups crying foul as they suspect it to be a religion-motivated murder. Pagadala, a renowned Christian preacher, was found dead under suspicious circumstances near Rajahmundry on March 25. Preliminary inquiries by the police suggested that Pagadala was involved in a road accident. However, as Christian groups suspected it to be a religious hate crime, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ordered an extensive probe to clear all the suspicions.
On the night of March 24, Praveen attended a programme in a church in Kovvur and later left for Rajahmundry on his Royal Enfield motorcycle. Shockingly, his body was found by the roadside next to his motorcycle at Kondamuru near Rajahmundry early in the morning the next day.
The death triggered a political controversy as Christian groups alleged that Pagadala had been receiving death threats from communal outfits.
However, before the police could complete its investigation, several news channels on Monday, March 31, shared CCTV footage that showed the deceased pastor buying alcohol at a liquor store in Kodad.
Visuals of Pagadala and his damaged motorcycle have also been shared. According to news reports, Pagadala lost control of his bike near Paritala, resulting in a crash that damaged the headlight and safety rod of the motorcycle. This caused injuries to his hands, news reports say.
He later reached Gollapudi and refuelled at a petrol bunk. According to the petrol bunk employee, Pagadala was unable to speak properly.
Pagadala was involved in another accident near Ramavarappadu in Vijayawada, according to traffic SI Subbarao. According to the SI, the pastor fell off the bike, after which the SI and other motorists helped him and made him sit by a roadside railing. Despite their insistence against driving, Pagadala continued with his journey, the SI said.
Upon reaching Eluru, Pagadala again purchased alcohol at a liquor shop. Police have also obtained CCTV footage of this purchase.
Timeline according to CCTV footage
• 4:45 pm: Praveen reached Gollapudi petrol bunk.
• 5:13 pm: Last seen on CCTV at Mahanadu Junction.
• 5:30 pm: Taken to the traffic booth near Ramavarappadu by the SI
• 5:30 pm – 8:20 pm: Slept near a road in front of the traffic booth.
• 8:47 pm: Left for Eluru.