Massive blast destroys Karnataka businessman’s SUV, police probe if IED was used

“The blast seems to have occurred under the car. There is the possibility of an IED being used with a connection set at the spot. Ammonium nitrate and some wiring are reported to have been used,” a source said.

Examining samples

However, Siddharth Goyal, Superintendent of Police, Bagalkot, said there was no conclusive evidence so far to suggest that an IED was used.

“Ammonium nitrate is available in urea, which is also used as a fertiliser. This is a rural area, and there was a field nearby. Experts have collected all the samples, including a control sample from nearby sites. Only if there is a difference in the ammonium nitrate at the site of the incident and the control samples can any conclusion be made,” Goyal said.

“There was no detonator. A wire was found some 30 metres away from the car. They have not been able to conclude that it is linked to the car but indicate that it belongs to a borewell site on the nearby field,” he added.

Other angles

The blast occurred under the car on the left side, towards the engine, and did not cause a fire because the fuel tank did not explode, sources said.

Meanwhile, investigators are also looking into whether Athani, who operates around 12 wine shops on lease and is reportedly involved in informal money lending, had any disputes or rivalries that could be linked to the incident.

The Bagalkot police are examining CCTV footage from the area, which shows the vehicle under surveillance for more than six hours after it was parked near the bar. No suspicious activity was noticed during that period.

They have sought help from Mahindra and Mahindra, local mechanics, and forensic experts to determine the cause of the blast.

The vehicle, purchased three years ago, is registered in Athani’s wife’s name, the police said.