In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, a businessman from Mangaluru, identified as Dilip N R, ended his life near Nitte Doopadakatte in Karkala taluk. Police said he first ingested poison and then fatally shot himself while seated in his car outside the gates of Navodaya Properties.

According to officials, Dilip had left home on Monday night, telling family he was heading to Karkala. However, he stopped en route and carried out the suicide. Before taking the step, he reportedly sent a WhatsApp message stating his intention to end his life. His family, upon receiving the message, alerted the authorities, triggering an immediate search.

Udupi Superintendent of Police Dr Arun Kumar said a case of unnatural death has been filed. Preliminary information suggests Dilip may have been under severe stress due to financial setbacks and ongoing health complications related to his kidneys. When police located the car, they found an empty poison bottle and a licensed revolver inside. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.

Dilip was the brother of Karkala municipal council member Subheet N R. His body was sent to KMC Hospital in Manipal for a post-mortem. Karkala Rural Police are continuing the investigation.