INDIA: Pastor Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances

26 March 2025

Source: The Siasat Daily; VOM Contacts

On Tuesday 25 March, Ps Praveen Pagadala was found dead under suspicious circumstances in India’s south-east state of Andhra Pradesh. Ps Pagadala attended a church programme in Kovvur town on Monday night and later left for Rajahmundry on his motorbike. Pagadala was captured on CCTV camera near a toll gate at Kovvur, wearing a helmet while riding.

On Tuesday morning, his body was found next to his motorbike by the roadside at Kondamuru near Rajahmundry. Reports suggest there were no signs of any road accident at the spot where he was found dead, noting that both his vehicle and helmet had no marks indicative of an accident.

Friends and family alleged that a person had publicly threatened to kill Pagadala, but no security was provided to him. Pagadala was also known for his talks on the Christian satellite channel Calvary TV. In his social media post a month ago, he had reportedly claimed that his life was in danger.

His death sparked tension at Rajahmundry Government Hospital when his body was brought there for an autopsy. His relatives and followers alleged that he was murdered, and the incident was made to look like an accident, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

A funeral service was held on 27 March, thousands were in attendance.

 

EXPLORE THE GLOBAL PRAYER GUIDE

Learn about global persecution trends and what it means to follow Christ in restricted and hostile nations.

Learn more

Stay informed

Receive weekly emails with the latest prayer points from the persecuted church

    Pray for them

    Pray that God would comfort relatives and followers of Ps Pagadala as they grieve and celebrate his life. Ask the Lord to give them a heart of compassion and forgiveness for their persecutors.

    Pray for the authorities investigating Ps Pagadala’s death. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom as they seek the truth, upholding the law and protecting believers from further targeted attacks.

    Ask the Lord to continue building the church in India, strengthening believers as they share the gospel. May God use them as a light to bring many into the saving knowledge of Christ.

    Recent News

    BANGLADESH: Church Threatened by Large Mobs for Ongoing Ministry Read more
    PAKISTAN: Christian Worker Brutally Attacked by Muslim Colleague Over Alleged Blasphemy Read more
    CHINA: Imprisoned for Printing Christian Materials and Denied Healthcare Read more

    Submit a Prayer

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Join our community

    @vomaustralia @vomau