IG Ashok Kumar Urges Public Not to Spread Misinformation in Praveen Case

Pastor Pagadala Praveen was found dead under suspicious circumstances while traveling by motorcycle from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry. His body was discovered by the roadside, leading to multiple questions surrounding the nature of his death. Andhra Pradesh Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.

Inspector General of Police Ashok Kumar held a press conference in Rajahmundry today, stating, “We have identified that Pastor Praveen died under suspicious conditions.”

He announced that a special investigation team has been constituted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, East Godavari district. Inspector General Ashok Kumar added, “Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is personally monitoring the investigation. He has spoken with the district SP and is regularly following up on the case.”

Providing a detailed timeline of the pastor’s movements, Inspector General Ashok Kumar said, “Pastor Praveen left Hyderabad at 11:00 AM on the 24th of this month. At 1:29 PM, he crossed the Choutuppal toll gate. We are currently investigating where he was during a three-hour gap in Vijayawada. With technological assistance, we are tracking his movements. He arrived at the Kommamuru Bank area at 11:40 PM, and the incident occurred at 11:42 PM.”

He noted that full post-mortem details are yet to be received, but initial findings indicate that Pastor Praveen had injuries on his hands and face. “We will know the exact cause of death once the complete post-mortem report is available. Authorities are examining whether a vehicle may have hit his motorcycle,” Inspector General Ashok Kumar said.

He urged the public not to spread false information or make provocative claims regarding Pastor Praveen’s death.

“We are collecting CCTV footage from Hyderabad and Vijayawada. We have retrieved footage from all toll gates and analyzed it at 15 frames per second. In Rajahmundry’s Lala Cheruvu area, Pastor Praveen purchased land in his daughter’s name and had plans to construct a building. He also rented a nearby house,” the officer added.

Inspector General Ashok Kumar stated that only Pastor Praveen’s wife and two individuals—Akash and John—were aware of his travel to Rajahmundry. “We have questioned all family members of Pastor Praveen. We will also review the forensic laboratory reports,” he said.