News Flash Daily
08 March 
Petrol attack following a heated argument leaves three critically injured; victims undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital as Soladevanahalli police launch investigation
Bengaluru: A 29-year-old man allegedly poured petrol and set his girlfriend and her parents on fire following a dispute in Tarabanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The brutal attack left three people critically injured, and they are currently undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital, according to police officials.
The accused has been identified as Panduranga (29), who has been arrested by the Soladevanahalli Police. The victims include his girlfriend Sumalatha, her father Sriram (48), and her mother Manjamma (42). All three sustained severe burn injuries during the attack.
Police confirmed that the incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Soladevanahalli Police Station, and a case has been registered as investigations continue.
Living Relationship and Past Disputes
According to preliminary police information, Sumalatha had separated from her husband around four years ago and was working at the Yeshwanthpur Metro station in Bengaluru.
During this time, she reportedly came into contact with Panduranga through Instagram, and the two eventually developed a relationship. Later, Sumalatha allegedly left her home and began living with Panduranga in a live-in relationship.
The couple had reportedly been staying in a rented house in Mahalakshmi Layout for nearly four years.
However, tensions began to grow between the two, and Sumalatha moved away from Panduranga about two months ago following repeated disagreements.
Relationship Conflict Led to Separation
Police sources said the dispute intensified after Sumalatha accused Panduranga of maintaining a relationship with another woman while still living with her.
Following the argument, Sumalatha reportedly left the shared residence and moved back to her parental home in Tarabanahalli, hoping to distance herself from the conflict.
Investigators believe this separation may have further escalated tensions between the couple.
Dispute Over Two-Wheeler Triggered the Attack
According to police, Panduranga visited Sumalatha’s house in Tarabanahalli two days before the incident and demanded that she hand over a two-wheeler.
Sumalatha reportedly refused, stating that the vehicle belonged to her sister and she could not give it to him. The refusal allegedly led to a heated argument between the two.
During the altercation, Sumalatha and her parents reportedly confronted and scolded the accused, which further enraged him.
Accused Returned With Petrol and Carried Out an Attack
After the argument, Panduranga left the house in anger, but returned approximately half an hour later.
Police said the accused resumed the argument before suddenly pouring petrol on Sumalatha and her parents and setting them on fire.
After carrying out the attack, Panduranga allegedly fled the scene in an autorickshaw, leaving the victims with severe burn injuries.
“The accused allegedly returned after a brief interval and attacked the victims with petrol during a renewed argument. He has since been arrested, and further investigation is underway,” police officials said.
Victims Undergoing Treatment at Victoria Hospital
Following the attack, neighbours and family members rushed the victims to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, where they are currently undergoing treatment for serious burn injuries.
Doctors have described their condition as critical, and medical teams are closely monitoring their recovery.
Police Arrest Accused, Investigation Continues
The Soladevanahalli Police have registered a case and taken Panduranga into custody. Officials are continuing their investigation to gather further details and determine the sequence of events leading to the attack.
Authorities are also examining the background of the relationship and earlier disputes between the accused and the victim as part of the probe.
