Rajahmundry: Former Member of Parliament G.V. Harsha Kumar was arrested on Saturday while attempting to lead a peace rally in Rajahmundry in memory of Pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar. The rally, which was intended as a peaceful demonstration, turned tense as police intervened and detained the former MP, citing security concerns.
The rally was organized to honor the late pastor and to call for a deeper investigation into his death, which has drawn attention from Christian and Dalit communities. Police deployed in large numbers in the area, especially near the site of Pastor Praveen’s death, to prevent unrest. Despite the arrests, scores of pastors and community members gathered in defiance, resulting in a tense atmosphere.
Reacting to Harsha Kumar’s detention, Praja Shanti Party President K.A. Paul condemned the police action and demanded the immediate release of the former MP. He questioned whether organizing a peaceful rally for Pastor Praveen’s death was a crime and alleged that the pastor’s post-mortem report was manipulated. Paul also criticized authorities for reportedly obstructing pastors from attending the funeral.
Pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar died on March 24 near Konthamuru village in a road accident while traveling on a motorcycle from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry. Initial investigations by Andhra Pradesh police indicated the cause to be drunken driving, supported by CCTV footage and UPI records of alcohol purchases during the journey. The post-mortem confirmed severe head trauma and multiple injuries as the cause of death.
Despite the official findings, several Christian and Dalit organizations continue to express doubts over the circumstances of his death, alleging foul play and demanding a more thorough probe. Tensions remain high in Rajahmundry as community leaders and supporters persist in their calls for justice.