A man died after a car caught fire on the Pune Highway in Karnataka's Tumakuru district, while a woman travelling with him managed to escape with minor injuries. Police have identified the deceased as Nagendran and are probing whether the incident stemmed from a troubled relationship and an alleged plan to end both their lives.
According to Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok Venkat, officers rushed to the scene after receiving information about a vehicle engulfed in flames under the Kallambella police station limits. They found Nagendran's charred body inside the commercial taxi, while the woman, identified as Ranya, survived with superficial injuries.
Police investigate relationship angle
According to the Hindustan Times, investigators believe the two had previously been in a relationship but had recently fallen out. Police said a dispute between them may have escalated during the journey, ultimately leading to the fatal incident.
Officials also confirmed that a kidnapping case involving the woman had already been registered at Bengaluru's Jayanagar police station before the incident. Preliminary findings suggest Nagendran had allegedly taken Ranya with him against her will.
Police are examining whether the confrontation inside the vehicle triggered the events that followed, though they have not yet concluded.
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Woman escaped after alleged knife attack
According to the Hindustan Times, initial reports indicate that Nagendran allegedly threatened both Ranya and himself during the cab ride. He is also believed to have shown her an explosive device while making the threats.
Police said the confrontation intensified after the vehicle came to a halt. During the altercation, Nagendran allegedly attacked the woman with a knife, leaving her with injuries to her head and arm. She managed to get out of the vehicle moments before it caught fire.
Doctors treated her injuries, which police described as minor, and officials said she was fit to be discharged from the hospital.
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Cause of fire yet to be established
According to the Hindustan Times, investigators are still trying to determine what caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Forensic experts are examining the remains of the car to establish whether an explosive device was involved or if another factor triggered the blaze.
The police have stressed that several aspects of the case remain under investigation, including the exact sequence of events leading to Nagendran's death. Statements from the survivor, forensic evidence and the earlier kidnapping complaint are expected to play a crucial role in piecing together the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Authorities have not ruled out any possibility and say further findings will emerge once the forensic examination and detailed investigation are completed.
