Mudrangadi David D’Souza Murder: Three Accused Arrested
Udupi: Police have cracked the case involving the shooting and murder of businessman and Congress leader David D’Souza at Mudrangadi and arrested three persons allegedly directly involved in the crime.
During the operation, police opened fire in self-defence at the main accused, identified as Raju, when he allegedly attempted to escape. He sustained a gunshot injury to his leg.
On August 7, at around 3:45 p.m., David D’Souza had arrived at the office of Prince Enterprises, located in the St. Xavier Church Complex at Mudrangadi in Kaup taluk. While he was walking towards the driver’s side door of his Thar, unidentified persons who had arrived on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at him.
One of the accused allegedly fired a pistol at David D’Souza’s head before fleeing the scene. David, who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to Adarsh Hospital in Udupi. However, after examination, doctors declared him dead.
A case was registered at the Shirva Police Station in connection with the incident.
During the investigation, police received credible information that three persons allegedly involved in the murder were travelling towards Bhatkal by bus. Acting on the information, police intercepted the bus near Ottinane in Byndoor and conducted a search.
The three accused allegedly got off the bus and attempted to flee. Police chased them and tried to apprehend them. During the operation, one of the accused, identified as Raju (42), a native of Thana Pilwa in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly pushed Kaila Police Station PSI Tejaswi and attempted to escape while firing a pistol he was carrying.
Police then opened fire, hitting Raju in the leg, and took him into custody. The pistol allegedly in his possession was also seized.
Raju was admitted to Udupi District Hospital for treatment. PSI Tejaswi also sustained injuries during the operation and is undergoing treatment at the same hospital.
A separate case has been registered at Byndoor Police Station against the accused for allegedly firing at and injuring a police officer and obstructing him in the discharge of his duties.
The other two accused who allegedly fled the scene were also arrested.
Ajay Rastogi alias Anmol (23), a native of Uttarakhand, was arrested in Kumta with the assistance of the Kumta Police. Jiyahul Wajool Sheikh alias Deepak (38), a native of Bihar, was arrested in Bhatkal with the assistance of the Bhatkal Police.
The accused are being interrogated, and further investigation is underway.
Police have seized the motorcycle allegedly used by the accused in the crime. The accused are said to have abandoned the motorcycle at Ermal before fleeing the area.
According to the preliminary investigation, David D’Souza is suspected to have been involved in a financial dispute with a company from another state in connection with a project he was undertaking.
Police are investigating the possibility that a contract killing was arranged against D’Souza in connection with the dispute.
Investigators are also working to identify others who may have assisted in the murder, provided financial support, or sheltered the accused.
A team of police officers and personnel led by Udupi District Deputy Superintendent of Police Belliyappa carried out the operation. Police teams from Bhatkal and Kumta, the District Crime Investigation Unit, Fingerprint Division, Dog Squad, and CDR Cell also played key roles in the investigation and arrests.