Distraught Karnataka man blows up car and dies, woman escapes with minor injuries

According to police, the trio was traveling from Bengaluru towards Ankola in a yellow cab when the vehicle exploded on National Highway-48. | Photo credit: PTI

A 30-year-old man, reportedly upset over his girlfriend’s break-up with him, allegedly kidnapped her from Jayanagar and took her to his hometown Ankola, blowing up the car they were traveling in using a ‘petrol bomb’-like device near Jogihalli in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district on Saturday.

While the man was charred, the girl escaped minutes before the explosion with the help of the car driver. Both suffered minor injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The deceased was identified as Nagendra. The injured were identified as Ramya and Praveen, a taxi driver. Both were taken to Tumakuru District Hospital.

According to police, the trio was traveling from Bengaluru towards Ankola in a taxi when the vehicle exploded on National Highway-48. According to the preliminary investigation, there was explosive material inside the car. The explosion sparked a large fire that led to more than a kilometer of traffic jam on the highway.

Investigators said that Nagendra and Ramya were allegedly in a relationship and were facing personal disputes for several days. Ramya reportedly blocked Nagendra’s phone number due to their differences.

Police said Nagendra allegedly went to Ramya’s house in Jayanagar on Saturday, had an argument with her and forcibly took her into a vehicle. Based on a complaint filed by her parents, the Jayanagar police registered a case of kidnapping.

During the journey, Nagendra allegedly threatened Ramya that he would kill her and then die himself. He also allegedly showed her a “petrol bomb” and continued to threaten her.

Near Jogihalli in Sira taluk, Nagendra allegedly attacked Ramya with a knife inside a moving vehicle. The driver immediately stopped the cab, allowing Ramye to unlock the door and jump out to safety. Moments later, the car exploded and caught fire, killing Nagendra on the spot.

Police have reportedly recovered a bomb-like explosive from the burnt vehicle and are conducting detailed investigations to ascertain the nature of the explosives and the exact cause of the blast.

Kallambella police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.

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Published – 27 Jun 2026 21:20 IST