The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified its scrutiny of social media platforms amid the ongoing investigation into the mysterious death of Pastor Praveen Pagadala.
As speculation and unrest grow, the state administration is closely monitoring online activity to curb narratives that could incite communal tensions or damage the government’s reputation, officials confirmed today.
Probe nears in the pastor Praveen Pagadala’s death case!
This shift in focus comes as the Special Investigation Team (SIT), assigned to probe the pastor’s death, continues its work under heavy public scrutiny. Authorities have observed a surge in social media posts and videos—many alleging a communal conspiracy—gaining traction across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In response, the government has directed its cybercrime wing to track and flag accounts spreading unverified claims, particularly those attributing a religious motive to the incident or accusing the state of negligence.
Must Read:“We are committed to a transparent investigation, but we will not tolerate attempts to communalize the issue or defame the government with baseless rumors,” a senior Home Department official stated.
Mixed reactions
The government’s social media crackdown has sparked a divided response. While some commend the efforts to maintain public order, critics—including opposition leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)—see it as an attempt to suppress dissent.
YSRCP accused the ruling NDA coalition of using social media surveillance as a distraction from addressing the case’s core concerns.
Many are questioning whether the emphasis on controlling narratives is overshadowing the actual investigation.
In addition to social media surveillance, the government has instructed district police units to collaborate with tech companies to flag and remove content deemed inflammatory. Legal action under the IT Act and other provisions is being considered against individuals inciting communal discord, sources added.
Pastor Praveen Pagadala’s Death: A brief overview
Pastor Praveen Pagadala, a 45-year-old Christian preacher from Hyderabad, was found dead under suspicious circumstances near Konthamuru, on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram, on March 25, 2025.
His body was discovered beside his Royal Enfield motorcycle, initially suggesting a road accident. However, the Christian community and his followers suspect foul play, citing his past confessions about receiving threats.
Further complicating the case, resurfaced videos highlight his struggles with substance abuse, leading police to suggest the possibility of drunk driving. While authorities await the final post-mortem report, protests and demands for a deeper probe continue to keep the case in the public eye.
