Twist in David D’Souza Shootout Case: Kishore Poojary Allegedly Ordered Hit Over Lost UPCL Contract
Udupi: The investigation into the shootout involving former Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat president and contractor David D’Souza has taken a new turn, with police reportedly finding that contractor Kishore Rama Poojary allegedly orchestrated the attack through his brother and alleged underworld figure Hemant Poojary.
The attack was allegedly planned because Kishore Poojary lost a contract from Adani’s Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), according to Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, the SP shared details of the investigation’s developments into the August 7 shootout. Kishore Rama Poojary, a resident of Uchila, had previously worked as a contractor at UPCL. About six months ago, he sought a contract for UPCL’s pipeline and concrete road construction project at Ermal. However, the company awarded the project to David D’Souza instead.
According to the SP, anger over losing the multi-crore-rupee project allegedly prompted Kishore Poojary to hatch a plan to eliminate D’Souza.
During the investigation, police arrested the accused directly involved in the crime—Raju, Anmol Rastogi, and Ziyahul Sheikh. Anmol and Ziyahul were subjected to intensive interrogation.
The investigation reportedly revealed that the two had allegedly been offered a deal involving crores of rupees in connection with the contract dispute.
Police also examined the bank accounts of the arrested accused and found that Mohammed Irshad, Chirag Poojary and Sadananda Devadiga had allegedly deposited money into their accounts and assisted in the operation. They were subsequently arrested.
Further investigation reportedly revealed that Kishore Poojary of Ermal, a contractor, had allegedly arranged the finances and paid for the hit.
A police team investigating the case in northern India arrested Suraj Kumar, a native of Bihar, in Uttarakhand. During intensive questioning, police reportedly obtained information about Anuj, who had allegedly arranged three shooters directly involved in the planned attack.
As Anuj moved between different parts of India, tracing him proved challenging. Acting on information provided by Suraj Kumar, police eventually arrested Anuj in Nippani, Belagavi district.
The investigation reportedly revealed that Kishore Poojary allegedly offered Rs 10 lakh as a contract for the killing of David D’Souza. Money was also reportedly transferred to the accounts of the three shooters.
Anuj had allegedly been contacted for the operation. He initially discussed the operation with two shooters, but they reportedly withdrew after failing to agree on payment.
Police have reportedly received information that Gujarat Police later arrested the two shooters in connection with another case. Their involvement in the present case is yet to be established.
Although they may not have directly participated in the attack, SP Hariram Shankar said they had allegedly been part of the conspiracy.
Initially, investigators suspected that a contracting company from Punjab might have been behind the incident. There were also suspicions regarding a Kerala-based company. However, the investigation revealed that neither company had provided any financial assistance for the crime, the SP said.
UPCL officials and David D’Souza had allegedly received internet-based calls in the name of underworld figure Hemant Poojary, demanding that the Ermal project be awarded to Kishore Poojary. However, they did not agree to the demand.
The investigation reportedly revealed that the same person had also contacted Irshad, Chirag and Sadananda and held discussions with them. Police also found that Hemant Poojary had allegedly been in contact with Anuj, who coordinated with the shooters.
According to investigators, the accused had allegedly been planning David D’Souza’s killing for around six months.
SP Hariram Shankar said Kishore Poojary had claimed that his brother Hemant Poojary was involved in the case. However, on the same night, Kishore reportedly told police that the two brothers had not spoken to each other for several years.
Therefore, police have not yet established whether Hemant Poojary was actually involved in the case, and further investigation is underway.
The SP further said that Hemant Poojary had reportedly not made any threat calls in the last 10 years and had not been arrested in any case so far. He has allegedly been absconding for around 25 years.
Kishore Poojary is also facing two murder cases and is reportedly known to have committed certain offences along with Hemant Poojary.
Police on Monday arrested Anuj Patil, 35, described by police as a notorious Mumbai gangster and a native of Nalanda, Bihar. He had allegedly arranged the shooters in the case and was arrested in Nippani, Belagavi district.
While Anuj was being taken to Udupi, he allegedly attacked police personnel at around 6:30 a.m. within the limits of Hebri Police Station. He reportedly snatched the service weapon of Kollur Police Station Sub-Inspector Vinay and opened fire.
In response, Kundapura Police Sub-Inspector Nanja Naik allegedly fired at Anuj’s leg in self-defence. Anuj sustained serious injuries and was admitted to Ajjarkad Hospital in Udupi for treatment.
According to Udupi SP Hariram Shankar, Anuj had been absconding since 2017, and a case had been registered against him under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Of the 11 cases registered against him, 10 are reportedly related to arms offences. Four cases are registered in Maharashtra, five in Gujarat, one in Daman and Diu, and one in Karnataka.
