A man identified as Nagendra Gowda allegedly kidnapped his former partner, Ramya, before detonating a country-made bomb inside a moving taxi on 27 June near Jogihalli village in Shira taluk, Tumakuru district, Karnataka — killing himself in the blast while Ramya and the cab driver narrowly escaped. Investigators probing the incident have found that Gowda's growing obsession and suspicion that Ramya was involved with another man were the primary triggers behind the extreme act, according to police.

Six Years of a Deteriorating Relationship

Nagendra Gowda and Ramya, both natives of the Ankola region, had reportedly been in a relationship for nearly six to eight years, having first met at a family function. According to investigators, the relationship began to unravel after Ramya relocated to Bengaluru, where Nagendra allegedly grew increasingly suspicious that she was seeing another man.

Police said Nagendra would frequently visit Ramya and confront her over his suspicions. Following each argument, Ramya would reportedly assure him of marriage in the future, temporarily pacifying him. However, the situation deteriorated sharply about two years ago. Ramya, during the investigation, alleged that Nagendra had become intensely possessive, repeatedly assaulted her, and relentlessly pressured her to marry him. Police said he had also allegedly threatened to end his life if she refused.

The Abduction and the Blast

On the morning of 27 June, Nagendra allegedly hired a cab — booked through Uber in his name — and travelled to the paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru where Ramya was staying, before forcibly taking her away. A friend of Ramya's, who witnessed the abduction, filed a missing person complaint with the Siddapura Police Station in Bengaluru.

As the vehicle travelled on National Highway-48, an argument reportedly broke out. According to police, Nagendra allegedly assaulted Ramya and struck her on the head. Ramya managed to jump out of the moving vehicle. The cab driver, identified as Praveen, stopped and helped her escape, sending her away on a passing motorcycle.

Praveen's account adds further detail: he told investigators that Nagendra attacked Ramya with a knife during the altercation, and that Ramya warned him Nagendra was carrying bombs. Praveen claimed he managed to snatch one explosive from Nagendra and throw it away, but Nagendra then ignited a second device. The blast killed Nagendra on the spot and completely destroyed the vehicle. Police also recovered a live unexploded bomb from the scene. Praveen's statements are currently being verified by investigators.

Probe Into Source of Explosives

One of the central questions in the investigation is how Nagendra Gowda — described by villagers as an introvert who largely kept to himself — managed to procure country-made bombs. Acting on directions from Central Range Inspector General of Police Girish, multiple police teams have been deployed to trace the source of the explosive.

Investigators have gathered information suggesting that country-made bombs are occasionally used in forested areas of Uttara Kannada district, including Karwar, Yellapura, Haliyal, Joida, and Dandeli. Police are examining whether the device may have been sourced from one of these regions. Officials have expressed concern over the relative ease with which an ordinary individual appears to have accessed such an explosive device.

Nagendra's mobile phone was completely destroyed in the explosion, significantly hampering the retrieval of digital evidence, according to investigators.

Case Registered, Investigation Ongoing

The Kallambella Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation. Residents of Nagendra's native village told investigators they were shocked by the incident, recalling him as a quiet, reclusive individual. Prior to moving to Bengaluru, Ramya had first shifted to another location within Karwar district, reportedly to distance herself from Nagendra.

As the probe widens, authorities are expected to focus on the illegal explosives supply chain in the region — a concern that extends well beyond this single incident.