INDIA: WELL-KNOWN PASTOR FOUND DEAD AFTER SHARING WORRIES ABOUT HIS SAFETY

A prominent pastor and author in India has tragically died, just a month after expressing concerns on social media that his life was in danger.

Pastor Praveen Pagadala (46) was a well-known preacher, author and apologist in the Christian community in the southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. His family contacted police after they were unable to reach him after he attended a prayer meeting on Monday (24 March). His body was found on the roadside in the district of Rajahmundry the following morning.

Whilst the police claim it was an accident, the nature of his injuries and evidence at the scene suggest foul play and a premeditated attack.

Pastor Praveen had spoken out against the persecution facing many Christians in India and actively defended Christianity, provoking a backlash that could have prompted his recent social media post revealing concern for his safety.

Protests and questions

Outside the Rajahmundry Government Hospital, where Pastor Praveen’s body is being held, tensions and protests have increased, as friends, relatives and the Christian community insist that he was murdered, and that the incident has been staged as an accident. The autopsy results have not yet been released.

Several Christian organisations and leaders have come forward and asked the state government to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. Yesterday evening, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh ordered for the formation of a special team to investigate what happened. It remains unclear whether this was a premeditated murder or an accident.

Pastor Praveen is survived by his wife and two young children. A burial service for him is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, Telangana, today.