Praveen Pagadala, a Christian pastor, was found dead in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district on Tuesday, March 25. His death has triggered protests from his family, supporters, and several Christian groups, who are demanding a thorough probe into the incident as they suspect foul play. They allege that the pastor was murdered and his death is being staged as an accident.
Praveen was known for his religious sermons, writings, and speeches broadcast on the Christian satellite channel Calvary TV. In a Facebook post from about a month ago, he had alleged that someone had issued a ‘fatwa’ to behead Praveen’s head, for speaking the truth.
On the night of March 24, Monday, Praveen attended a programme in a church in Kovvur, and later left for Rajahmundry on his Royal Enfield bike. He was captured on CCTV camera near a toll gate at Kovvur, wearing a helmet.
His body was found by the roadside next to his bike at Kondamuru near Rajahmundry early morning the next day, on March 25.
His death sparked tension near the Government Hospital in Rajahmundry when his body was brought there for autopsy, with his relatives and Christian groups staging protests.
His relatives and followers alleged that he was murdered and the crime was made to look like an accident. They alleged that there were no signs of any road accident at the spot where he was found dead. They pointed out that his vehicle had no marks to suggest that he had met with an accident. His helmet was also intact, they said.
One of the protesters pointed out that a Hindutva YouTuber named Karunakar Sugguna had posted a video criticising Praveen’s preachings on his channel, Shiva Shakthi, a month ago.
Meanwhile, well-known Christian leader and Praja Shanti Party President KA Paul has demanded a thorough probe into the death of the pastor. He urged the state Home Minister, Director General of Police, and Superintendent of Police to order an investigation into the incident.
(With IANS inputs)