A second live explosive was recovered and safely defused after the Tumakuru bomb blast, as investigators probe the materials used in the suspected attack
The investigation into the deadly Tumakuru car explosion has taken a major turn after police recovered and safely defused a second live bomb at the blast site in Shira taluk. Preliminary findings suggest the deceased, who allegedly kidnapped his former partner, was carrying explosive material commonly used in firecrackers. The blast killed the accused, injured the woman and the cab driver, and triggered a massive traffic disruption on National Highway-48.
Tumakuru: The investigation into the deadly car explosion in Karnataka's Tumakuru district has gathered momentum after police recovered a second live explosive from the blast site and safely neutralised it. The Bomb Disposal Squad carried out a controlled operation in the Shira Industrial Area, preventing what officials described as a potential disaster.
The blast, which occurred on National Highway-48 near Jogihalli in Sira taluk on Saturday, claimed the life of 30-year-old Nagendra, who police allege had kidnapped his former partner before the vehicle exploded in flames. The woman and the cab driver survived the incident with injuries and are undergoing treatment.
The recovery of another unexploded device has significantly widened the scope of the investigation, with forensic experts examining whether additional explosives had been carried inside the vehicle.
"The recovery of a second live explosive has become a crucial breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the deadly Tumakuru blast."
Tumakuru Blast Probe Finds Second Live Bomb
During an intensive search of the blast site, police and forensic teams discovered another live explosive that had failed to detonate.
The Bomb Disposal Squad immediately secured the area before conducting a controlled disposal operation. The explosive was successfully destroyed without causing further damage or injuries.
Investigators said preliminary examinations indicate that the device was allegedly assembled using chemicals commonly found in firecrackers. Forensic experts are now conducting detailed scientific analysis to determine its exact composition.
Police warned that had the unexploded device detonated on the busy highway, it could have caused a catastrophic incident involving multiple vehicles.
"Officials said the unexploded device could have resulted in a major disaster had it detonated on National Highway-48."
Tumakuru Relationship Turned Bitter Before Alleged Kidnapping
According to police, Nagendra and the injured woman, an Operation Theatre (OT) technician employed in Bengaluru, were previously in a relationship that had ended following personal differences.
Investigators said the woman had blocked Nagendra's phone number after the relationship deteriorated.
On Saturday morning, Nagendra allegedly went to her rented accommodation in Bengaluru's Jayanagar, where an argument reportedly broke out between them. Police allege he forcibly took the woman away in a yellow-board Uber cab.
Following her disappearance, her parents approached the Jayanagar Police Station and lodged a kidnapping complaint.
Woman Escaped Moments Before Deadly Explosion
Police investigations indicate that Nagendra allegedly forced the cab to travel towards Ankola while threatening to kill the woman before taking his own life.
During the journey, investigators believe he showed the woman an explosive device that he had allegedly been carrying.
The situation escalated dramatically near Jogihalli when Nagendra allegedly attacked the woman with a knife inside the moving vehicle.
Realising the seriousness of the situation, cab driver Praveen immediately brought the vehicle to a halt.
The woman managed to unlock the door and escape from the vehicle moments before a powerful explosion ripped through the car.
Within seconds, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, trapping Nagendra inside. He died at the scene before emergency responders could rescue him.
The woman and the driver sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to Tumakuru District Hospital, where they continue to receive medical treatment.
"The victim escaped from the vehicle moments before the explosion, while the accused died after becoming trapped inside the burning car."
Tumakuru Massive Explosion Disrupts National Highway-48
The intensity of the explosion sent shockwaves through the area, with flames completely engulfing the vehicle.
The blast also resulted in a traffic jam stretching for more than a kilometre along the busy Bengaluru-Pune corridor on National Highway-48, as police and emergency services rushed to secure the area.
Traffic movement remained disrupted until firefighters extinguished the blaze and authorities cleared the wreckage.
Tumakuru Police Suspect Deliberate Explosion
Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok K.V. said preliminary investigations indicate that Nagendra was carrying an explosive device and appears to have deliberately triggered the blast.
Investigators recovered bomb-like explosive material from the burnt vehicle and immediately alerted forensic specialists and the Bomb Disposal Squad.
Police are examining the exact type of explosive used, the method of detonation and where the material was procured.
The discovery of the second unexploded device has further strengthened investigators' belief that multiple explosive materials may have been carried inside the vehicle.
"Preliminary findings suggest the accused was carrying explosive material and deliberately triggered the blast," SP Ashok K.V. said.
Investigation Continues Into Explosive Material
The Kallambella Police have registered a case and are conducting a comprehensive investigation into every aspect of the incident.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, witness statements and digital records to reconstruct the sequence of events from the alleged abduction in Bengaluru to the fatal explosion in Tumakuru.
Police are also awaiting detailed forensic and bomb disposal reports, which are expected to reveal the precise nature of the explosive material and whether additional individuals were involved in procuring or assembling the device.
Meanwhile, the post-mortem examination of Nagendra will be conducted at Tumakuru District Hospital, while the injured woman continues to receive treatment under medical supervision. The investigation remains ongoing.
