Pastor Praveen Kumar’s Death Sparks Controversy

Different Voices on the Death of Pastor Praveen Kumar

Postmortem completed at Rajahmundry GGH amid protests.

CM Chandrababu orders all-angle investigation into death.

Police say accident; Christian groups claim murder.

SP confirms CCTV footage analysis and forensic testing.

Home Minister assures transparent and fair investigation.

Protests erupt; body finally sent to Hyderabad.

Tension gripped Rajahmundry for two days following protests by Christian groups over the death of Pastor Praveen Kumar. While Christian organizations strongly believe it was murder, the police maintain it was an accident.

Praveen Kumar (45), a Secunderabad resident, was traveling on his bike to Chagallu, East Godavari district, for a Christian gathering on Monday evening. The next morning, a constable found his body near Konthamuru, Rajahmundry. Though initially treated as an accident, police registered a case of suspicious death after objections from family members and Christian groups.

Protests erupted at Rajahmundry GGH, with Christian leaders demanding justice before allowing the postmortem. After discussions with the police, the autopsy was conducted in the presence of family members. The body was later transported to Hyderabad, despite fresh protests attempting to halt it.

CM Chandrababu Naidu directed the police to investigate from all angles, discussing the case personally with DGP Harish Kumar Gupta. Minister Nara Lokesh also assured a full-scale inquiry.

Home Minister Anitha emphasized a transparent investigation, stating that Kovvur DSP is leading the probe. She confirmed that CCTV footage and other evidence are being analyzed, including whether the accident was intentional.

Former CM YS Jagan demanded an impartial inquiry, expressing condolences to Praveen's family.

East Godavari SP D. Narasimha Kishore revealed that a special team comprising two DSPs and two CIs is investigating the case. CCTV footage showed Praveen’s bike crossing the Kovvur toll plaza at 11:31 PM on the 24th, followed by five vehicles, including a car, near the incident site at 11:42 PM. Forensic analysis is ongoing.

SP Kishore also warned against spreading religious hatred on social media and urged people to report any evidence to Kovvur DSP Devakumar.