Udupi: The investigation into the murder of former Gram Panchayat president and contractor David D’Souza has taken a significant turn, with police alleging that a dispute over a multi-crore contract led to the killing.
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said contractor Kishore Rama Poojary, who had earlier worked with Adani Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), allegedly planned the murder after a pipeline and concrete road project at Yermal was awarded to D’Souza instead of him.
Contract loss allegedly fuelled resentment
According to police, Kishore allegedly developed resentment towards D’Souza after losing the project and subsequently planned to eliminate him.
D’Souza was shot dead on August 7. Police initially arrested Raju, Anmol Rastogi and Ziaul Sheikh, who are alleged to have been directly involved in the attack.
Questioning of Anmol and Ziaul reportedly led investigators to financial transactions involving Mohammed Irshad, Chirag Poojary and Sadananda Devadiga. The three were subsequently arrested.
Further investigation allegedly led police to Kishore Anand Poojary of Ermal, who is accused of arranging the finances.
Police uncover alleged underworld link
Investigators said UPCL officials had received calls pressuring them to award the project to Kishore. The caller allegedly used the name of Hemanth Poojary, Kishore’s brother, who has been in prison for around 25 years.
Police suspect that the person making the calls in Hemanth’s name was in contact with Irshad, Chirag, Sadananda and Kishore. Investigators also found that Hemanth was in contact with Anuj, who is suspected of coordinating the shooters.
Suraj Kumar has also been accused of supplying money to the accused. Information received from Gujarat Police helped investigators identify some of those involved, while Suraj’s arrest in Uttarakhand reportedly provided crucial information about Anuj.
Shooters allegedly arranged for Rs. 10 lakh
Police traced Anuj to Belagavi. He allegedly attempted to escape and attacked police while being taken into custody.
The SP said all those identified so far in connection with the alleged financial transactions, conspiracy and execution of the shooting have been arrested. However, investigators are yet to establish Hemanth Poojary’s exact role.
Police suspect the conspiracy was planned around six months ago. Anuj allegedly arranged two shooters, who travelled to carry out the attack but returned after financial arrangements were not finalised. Their alleged involvement in D’Souza’s murder is yet to be confirmed.
Police said around Rs. 10 lakh had allegedly been set aside as payment for the shooters.
Punjab contractor not directly linked
The SP also clarified that a contractor from Punjab was not directly involved in the case. Although police initially suspected a Punjab connection, examination of financial transactions involving parties in Kerala and Punjab, along with the company associated with D’Souza, has not so far revealed evidence of their financial involvement.
Police also found that Anuj and another accused, Manoj, had met in a Maharashtra prison in 2016. However, investigators have found no evidence that the present conspiracy was planned during that meeting.
Kishore is also facing two murder cases, the SP said.