Udupi: Priya David, wife of Congress leader and former Mudarangadi gram panchayat president David D’Souza, who was shot dead in Mudarangadi on Thursday, has demanded stringent punishment for everyone involved in the murder.
Speaking about the tragedy, Priya said the sudden death of her husband had left the family deeply shocked. She said David had not expressed any concerns regarding his business or indicated that he was facing any threat before the incident.
According to Priya, David followed his regular routine on the day of the incident. He had his meal and left home for his office, with the family unaware that he would soon become the victim of a fatal shooting.
“As part of his daily routine, he had his meal and left for the office. As soon as we came to know about the incident, we rushed to the spot and took him to the hospital. However, it was of no avail,” she said.
Family shocked by sudden death
Priya said David had never caused hardship to the family and had consistently taken care of them.
His sudden death has left the family struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, she said.
The shooting has also caused shock in Mudarangadi and surrounding areas, where David was known both for his business activities and political involvement.
Priya said the family wants those responsible for the killing to face justice.
“Those who shot my husband and shed his blood must face justice. I am relieved by the swift action taken by the police. The accused and everyone involved in the conspiracy must receive stringent punishment,” she said.
Her statement comes amid the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The family has welcomed the swift action taken by the police and expressed confidence that those responsible for the crime and any alleged conspiracy behind it will be brought to justice.
David remembered for local contributions
Priya also recalled David’s contribution to the development of the locality.
She said he had worked for the development of the area through his roles as both a businessman and politician.
David had served as president of the Mudarangadi gram panchayat and was associated with the Congress. His involvement in local affairs had brought him into contact with residents and community members in the region.
“His death has left us deeply shocked,” Priya said.
The killing has consequently triggered grief among family members, supporters and people who knew David through his business and political activities.
As the investigation continues, the family has called for strict punishment for the accused and anyone else found to have been involved in planning or executing the murder.
Funeral arrangements announced
The public viewing and funeral of David D’Souza will be held on Sunday, August 9.
Members of the public will be allowed to pay their last respects at several locations during the day before the funeral Mass.
The schedule begins with public viewing at Rajiv Bhavana, Kaup, at 10.45 am on Sunday.
The body will then be taken to Mudarangadi gram panchayat at 11.15 am, allowing local representatives and residents to pay their respects.
The funeral cortege will subsequently proceed to Kunjigudde Colony, Pilar, at 12 noon, followed by a visit to Prince Point House, Pilar, at 12.30 pm.
The body will then be taken to the family residence.
Funeral cortege to leave at 2.45 pm
The funeral cortege is scheduled to leave the residence at 2.45 pm for Infant Jesus Church, Pilar.
Public viewing will be held at the church from 3 pm to 4 pm, providing friends, supporters and members of the public an opportunity to pay their final respects.
The funeral Mass and final tribute will begin at 4 pm at the church.
The funeral arrangements are expected to draw family members, political colleagues, local residents and others who knew David during his public and professional life.
Family seeks justice
The murder has left David’s family seeking answers and justice as the police investigation progresses.
Priya’s appeal for stringent punishment reflects the family’s demand that the investigation establish the circumstances behind the shooting and identify everyone responsible.
She has also expressed relief over the police action following the incident, while stressing that those accused of carrying out the shooting and those allegedly involved in any conspiracy must face the full consequences of the law.
As the family prepares to bid farewell to David on Sunday, the public viewing and funeral will provide an opportunity for the local community to remember the former gram panchayat president and pay its final respects.
The investigation into his killing will now remain central to efforts to establish the motive and determine the involvement of those accused in the case.