David D’Souza Murder Case: Permission Granted to Probe Accused Under KCOCA
Udupi: Ten accused have been arrested and produced before the court in connection with the murder of businessman David D’Souza, who was shot dead at the St. Xavier’s Church Complex in Mudrangady, Kaup taluk. In view of the alleged organised crime links in the case, permission has been granted to investigate the matter under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA).
On August 7, 2026, at around 3.45 p.m., David D’Souza, owner of Prince Enterprises at the St. Xavier’s Church Complex in Mudrangady, was shot in the head by the pillion rider of a motorcycle-borne duo. He died in the attack. A case was subsequently registered at Shirva Police Station.
During the investigation, police received credible information that three accused directly involved in the murder were travelling by bus towards Bhatkal. Acting on the information, a police team intercepted the bus at Ottinane in Byndoor and began checking the passengers. The three accused allegedly attempted to flee after getting off the bus.
During the pursuit, one of the accused allegedly opened fire at the police using a pistol. He also pushed down a police sub-inspector attached to Kaup Police Station and attempted to escape. In response, the police fired at the accused’s leg and apprehended him. The pistol in his possession was also seized.
The arrested accused has been identified as Raju alias Fazi alias Subodh alias Raju Hetram Jatav (42), a native of Uttar Pradesh. He is alleged to have shot and killed David D’Souza. A separate case has also been registered against him at Byndoor Police Station for allegedly opening fire at the police, causing injuries and obstructing police personnel from discharging their official duties.
In connection with the murder case registered at Shirva Police Station, police have arrested the following persons: Anmol Rastogi (23), from Uttarakhand, Ziahuul Wajul Sheikh alias Deepak (38), from Bihar, Chirag Poojary (24), from Ermal, Mohammed Irshad (46), from Ermal, Sadananda Devadiga (41), from Ermal, Kishore Rama Poojary (47), from Adamaaru village in Kaup taluk, Suraj Kumar (31), from Bihar, Lokesh Teja Kothari (42), from Yedtare village in Byndoor taluk and Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel (36), from Bihar.
Police said the 11th accused, underworld operative Hemant Poojary, is absconding.
During the investigation, police reportedly found that the accused had acted in coordination with underworld operative Hemant Poojary, Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel and Kishore Poojary as part of an alleged organised criminal operation.
Accordingly, a request was submitted through the Udupi Superintendent of Police to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Western Range, Mangaluru, seeking permission to invoke the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) in the case.
After examining the request, the DIG, Western Range, granted permission to investigate the case under KCOCA against Hemant Poojary, Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel and their associates.
Consequently, the accused and the case records have been transferred to the Principal District and Sessions Court and the Special KCOCA Court in Mysuru for further proceedings.
