Madikeri, Oct. 24 – In a chilling incident straight out of a movie scene, a lorry rammed into a car in an apparent bid to murder a local businessman in Kodlipet, Somwarpet taluk, leaving the community deeply shaken.

The target was Congress leader J.K. Tejakumar, owner of S.R. Petrol Bunk at Hand Post, Kodlipet and Director of the Kodlipet Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society, who miraculously escaped what he claims was a premeditated attempt on his life.

The attack occurred on Tuesday night when Tejakumar was driving home along Kirikodli Road in Doddakunda village. A lorry, owned by Ramesh of Keraganahalli village suddenly rammed into his car at high speed, causing it to spin violently before coming to a halt.

Instead of fleeing, the lorry driver allegedly reversed and attempted to ram the car again. Acting swiftly, Tejakumar exited his vehicle and escaped with minor injuries.

Two individuals on a bike, who witnessed the lorry reversing at full speed, abandoned their two-wheeler and fled. The bike was crushed under the lorry, which soon veered into a roadside ditch and got stuck. The driver and another occupant fled on foot, leaving the vehicle behind.

Thanks to the deployment of airbags, Tejakumar survived with minor leg injuries, though his car’s front portion was mangled. The bike was also reduced to debris.

Personal enmity

Tejakumar has accused Ramesh and one ‘JCB Diwakar’ of orchestrating the attack out of personal enmity. He recalled that just two months ago, the same duo had allegedly attempted to stab him near a canteen adjacent to his petrol bunk. A case had been registered then at Shanivarasanthe Police Station.

Tejakumar alleged that the failure of the Police to act firmly in that earlier case had emboldened the accused. He further alleged that the latest attempt on his life was linked to unresolved disputes over an illegal brick factory and a nearby lake, issues that had been simmering for some time. He also mentioned that local gambling activities had worsened tensions.

According to him, after a local youth filed a Police complaint against gambling, he was allegedly threatened with a pistol and when Tejakumar tried to lodge a related complaint, the Police response was inadequate.

Ramesh and Diwakar have reportedly been picked up for interrogation. Preliminary investigations are said to be complete, and the accused are likely to be formally arrested and produced before the Court soon.