Eluru Range Inspector General of Police G. V. G. Ashok Kumar and East Godavari SP D. Narasimha Kishore at a joint press conference on the death of pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar in Rajamahendravaram City on Saturday (April 12, 2025).
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hyderabad-based 45-year-old pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar succumbed to head injury after his two-wheeler skidded on crushed stones and entered a field while he was under the influence of alcohol on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram city in the early hours of March 24, claimed Eluru Range Inspector General of Police G.V.G. Ashok Kumar.
The incident occurred while Mr. Praveen Kumar was heading from Hyderabad to Rajamahendravaram. Speaking to newsmen at a press conference here on Saturday (April 12, 2025), Mr. Ashok Kumar said: “All the technical investigations and post-mortem reports have concluded that Mr. Praveen Kumar died due to injuries, including on the head, sustained in the accident occurred while he was under the influence of alcohol.”
Referring to the forensic report, Mr. Ashok Kumar has said that Praveen Kumar’s two-wheeler’s speed was approximately 70 kmph when the accident occurred.
“The forensic report has concluded that the two-wheeler skidded on the crushed stones on the side of the highway at the scene of the accident. There are no signs of contact of any other vehicle to Mr. Praveen Kumar’s two-wheeler,” said Mr. Ashok Kumar.
On March 23, at 11 a.m., Praveen Kumar began his journey on his two-wheeler in Hyderabad to monitor the ongoing works of a proposed Bible College in Rajamahendravaram. He was seen for the last time at 11.42 p.m. before his vehicle skidded on the outskirts of the city, as per the CC Camera surveillance footage.
Miraculous escape
“Mr. Praveen Kumar was spotted purchasing liquor in three locations — Hyderabad, Kodada and Eluru — through digital payment. He had escaped three accidents before arriving at Eluru. It was at Keesara toll plaza where he lost his balance on the two-wheeler and its headlight was broken. He refuseed to receive first aid service from an ambulance and resumed his journey,” said Mr. Ashok Kumar, referring to the CC TV footage.
Near Jaggayyapeta area, Mr. Praveen Kumar had a miraculous escape from a lorry. He informed his wife about his travel status after crossing Vijayawada City.
“We have tracked the entire journey of Mr. Praveen Kumar, recorded the statements of the witnesses in the locations wherever he stopped during the journey. The wife and family members of Mr. Praveen Kumar did not name any suspect in this incident so far,” the IG said.
Mr. Ashok Kumar has further stated that 11 cases have been registered against those who spread false information on the case in India and abroad. One of them has been arrested. Mr. Ashok Kumar and East Godavari SP D. Narasimha Kishore appealed to the public not to spread false information on the accident further to maintain harmony.
Published – April 12, 2025 03:22 pm IST
