Karnataka: A 30-year-old man was killed after a car exploded and caught fire near Jogihalli village in Sira taluk of Karnataka’s Tumakuru district on Saturday. Before the explosion, the man allegedly attacked a 23-year-old woman travelling with him using a knife. The woman survived with injuries after jumping out of the vehicle, while the car driver also escaped with minor injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Nagendra, while the injured woman, Ramya Ullas (23), is undergoing treatment at the Tumakuru District Hospital. Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and the circumstances that led to the explosion.

A video of the aftermath of the explosion has surfaced online, showing the vehicle engulfed in flames.

Argument inside moving car turned violent

According to preliminary information, Nagendra had hired the car in Bengaluru and was travelling with Ramya Ullas towards Ankola in Uttara Kannada district.

Ramya, a resident of Agasur village in Ankola taluk, works as an operation theatre (OT) technician at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Bengaluru.

Police said the driver, identified as Praveen, told investigators that both passengers boarded the vehicle in Bengaluru. An argument reportedly broke out between Nagendra and Ramya after the vehicle reached the Tumakuru region.

During the altercation, Nagendra allegedly attacked Ramya with a knife, causing injuries.

Woman escaped after warning driver

Despite being injured, Ramya allegedly alerted the driver that Nagendra was carrying a bomb inside the vehicle.

Acting quickly, she managed to jump out of the moving car. Driver Praveen immediately pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle.

Moments later, Nagendra allegedly locked himself inside the car.

Police suspect he then detonated a crude explosive device that he had allegedly brought with him, triggering a powerful explosion that engulfed the vehicle in flames.

Nagendra killed in explosion

Nagendra was trapped inside the burning car and died on the spot after suffering severe burn injuries.

The driver sustained minor injuries in the incident but escaped without life-threatening harm.

The injured woman was rushed to the Tumakuru District Hospital, where she is receiving treatment. Doctors said she sustained injuries in the alleged knife attack before the explosion.

Police launch investigation

Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok, along with officers from Kallambella Police Station, visited the scene and supervised the initial investigation.

Police have cordoned off the area and forensic experts have been called in to examine the vehicle and determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Authorities are also investigating the nature of the explosive device allegedly used and whether it was a crude bomb or another type of explosive.

Officials said the investigation will also focus on establishing the relationship between Nagendra and Ramya, the motive behind the alleged attack, and the sequence of events leading up to the blast.

Forensic examination underway

Investigators are collecting evidence from the scene, including remnants of the explosive material, to ascertain how the blast occurred.

Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the incident, and officials said further details will emerge after forensic analysis and questioning of witnesses.

The incident has shocked residents of the area, with authorities urging the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is complete.

Police said appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.