A man was killed in a car explosion in India’s Karnataka state after allegedly abducting his former partner in what police believe was an attempted murder-suicide.
The incident occurred on Saturday along National Highway-48 near Jogihalli in Sira taluk, Tumakuru district, when a moving car exploded and burst into flames.
The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Nagendra, died at the scene after becoming trapped inside the burning vehicle. His former partner and the cab driver survived with injuries and were taken to Tumakuru District Hospital for treatment.
According to police, Nagendra and the woman, an operating theatre technician based in Bengaluru, had previously been in a relationship that had recently ended. Investigators said the woman had blocked his phone number following personal disagreements.
Police allege that Nagendra confronted the woman at her rented apartment in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar area on Saturday morning before forcing her into a hired Uber cab.
Following her disappearance, her parents reported the alleged abduction to the Jayanagar Police Station.
Investigators said that during the journey, Nagendra allegedly threatened to kill the woman and then take his own life. He is also believed to have shown her an explosive device he was carrying.
As the vehicle approached Jogihalli, Nagendra allegedly attacked the woman with a knife. The cab driver quickly stopped the vehicle, giving the woman an opportunity to unlock the door and escape.
Moments after she jumped from the car, a powerful explosion tore through the vehicle, setting it ablaze. Nagendra was unable to escape and died in the fire.
The blast caused major traffic disruption, with congestion stretching for more than one kilometre along the highway.
Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok K.V. said preliminary investigations indicate that Nagendra was carrying an explosive device and may have intentionally triggered the explosion.
Police recovered explosive materials from the wreckage and have launched a full investigation to determine the type of explosive used, how it was detonated, and where it was obtained.
