A businessman was found dead in his car that was set on fire in the remote Muddinpalya area of Bengaluru on Saturday evening, said the police.
The police were alerted about a vehicle engulfed in flames, reported NDTV, after which the fire brigade was pressed to service. The fire was doused but the man inside the car, identified as C Pradeep (42) had already died due to suffocation.
A hotel consultant by profession, Pradeep had reportedly parked his Skoda car in an isolated spot before setting it on fire, reported NDTV. Investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident with the police suspecting it to be a case of suicide.
A police officer who was on patrol, Shrinivas Murthy E, got a call from the police helpline after which he rushed to the scene and saw a Skoda car engulfed in flames. He informed the fire department control room.
Pradeep’s family members and friends have been questioned by the police and they confirmed that no suicide note was recovered from the scene. Authorities are also considering to ascertain if there were any signs of financial or personal distress that may have contributed to his death.
According to a police officer, Pradeep might have killed himself as he recently suffered losses in his business. “We found that Pradeep bought four litres of petrol in a couple of two-litre cans minutes before the incident,” the officer said, reported the Indian Express.
