1 week Ago
RAJAHMUNDRY : Police have resolved the mystery surrounding the suspicious death of noted Christian preacher and motivational speaker Pagadala Praveen Kumar , which had sent shockwaves across the state. Authorities confirmed that Praveen Kumar died in a road accident caused by drunken driving . During his journey from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry on March 24, he was involved in three separate accidents.
Investigations revealed that he had purchased alcohol three times along the way while riding his Royal Enfield bike. The final accident occurred near Konthamuru, close to Rajahmundry, where his bike skidded off the road, resulting in fatal injuries. He died on the spot.
The police verified his UPI transactions, which matched CCTV footage . They questioned 92 witnesses and examined over 600 CCTV recordings during the investigation. In connection with the case, 11 individuals were booked for circulating false videos, and one person was arrested.
Police also questioned his family members. Praveen Kumar was travelling to Rajahmundry to inspect the site for a planned Bible College in Namavaram. According to Eluru Range IG G.
V.G Ashok Kumar, there was no evidence of foul play. He confirmed that Praveen Kumar’s death resulted from injuries sustained in the accident, which was attributed to alcohol consumption.
As per the investigation, the bike slid off the road where crushed stones were present on the roadside berm, causing Kumar to hit a stationary object. The bike then fell on him. The toxicology report confirmed the presence of alcohol in his system.
He was reportedly travelling at a speed of 70 km/h at the time. The Forensic Science Lab examined four vehicles that passed the accident site, ruling out any collision as there were no dent marks. It was found that the headlight fuse blew after the crash.
Only his family members were aware of his journey. He had also purchased liquor during his earlier visit to Rajahmundry on March 12 and 13. The post-mortem report stated that he died due to severe head trauma and multiple injuries.
The prior accidents on the same day may have worsened his condition. He reportedly spoke to six individuals during his trip from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry. Chronologically, on March 24, Praveen Kumar left home on his Royal Enfield around 11 a.
m. He first purchased liquor at Savera Liquor Mart in Nagole, then again at Aditya Wines in Kodad. He met with an accident at Jaggayyapeta while overtaking a lorry—narrowly avoiding a major crash thanks to a bus driver behind him.
Later, at Keesara, he crashed into a roadside booth and fell. Paramedics in an ambulance stopped to assist him. He refueled at an Indian Oil petrol station in Gollapudi, making UPI payments.
He then fell again near Ramavarappadu. An auto driver informed Traffic Sub-Inspector Subba Rao, who offered him tea and advised rest—but Praveen continued his journey. From Pottipadu, he rode using blinkers and bought liquor again near Eluru.
The final accident occurred near Nayara Petrol Bunk, where his bike slid and he succumbed to injuries. His body was discovered the next day..
