Tumakuru, 27 June

A 30-year-old man was burnt to death after a suspected petrol bomb exploded inside a moving car on the Bengaluru-Pune National Highway near Kallambella in Tumakuru district on Saturday, in what police suspect was an attempt to kill his former partner before taking his own life.

The deceased, Nagendra from Uttara Kannada district, allegedly kidnapped Ramya, an operation theatre technician at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Bengaluru, after she ended their six-year relationship and rejected his repeated demands to marry him.

According to police, Nagendra travelled to Ramya’s residence in Bengaluru on Saturday morning, allegedly forced her into a pre-booked cab after threatening her and her friend, and set off towards Ankola. A kidnapping complaint was subsequently filed at Siddapura police station.

During the journey, Nagendra allegedly threatened Ramya with a country-made petrol bomb before stabbing her on the head and hand with a knife. Fearing for their lives, the cab driver stopped the vehicle near Jogihalli in Sira taluk and jumped out.

Despite her injuries, Ramya managed to unlock the car and escape moments before an explosion engulfed the vehicle in flames, killing Nagendra.

Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok KV said preliminary investigations indicated that Nagendra detonated the explosive himself. Police are recording statements from the injured woman and the cab driver.