Udupi: Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has said Hemanth Poojary may have played a role in the murder of businessman David D’Souza, while clarifying that the actual mastermind behind the killing has not yet been established.
Murder linked to contract dispute
David D’Souza was murdered at Mudarangadi in Kaup on August 7. According to the investigation, the killing was allegedly linked to a dispute over a high-value contract project involving the Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) desalination pipeline.
Police initially arrested three accused — Raju, a native of Uttar Pradesh, Anmol Rasthogi from Maharashtra and Jiyaul Sheikh from Bihar. During Raju’s arrest, he allegedly attempted to escape and was shot in the leg by police.
Suspicious transactions lead to more accused
During interrogation, investigators found indications that financial dealings could be connected to the murder. Police examined two to three suspicious transactions before scrutinising the bank accounts of the three arrested accused.
The investigation subsequently led police to Chirag Poojary and Mohammed Irshad. Police also questioned Ananda Devadiga.
According to SP Hariram Shankar, investigators learnt that Kishore Rama Poojary had allegedly arranged the money required for the transactions.
Hemanth Poojary’s alleged role under probe
Police said Kishore Poojary was involved in contract work and had sought the high-value UPCL desalination pipeline project. However, he allegedly did not receive the contract, resulting in resentment between Kishore and David D’Souza.
Investigators also found that a call was allegedly made in the name of Hemanth Poojary, who was known to D’Souza and some UPCL officials. The caller reportedly sought the project on Kishore’s behalf, but the request was not accepted.
SP Hariram Shankar said the person who made the call identifying himself as Hemanth Poojary appeared to have played a role in coordinating the murder along with Kishore Poojary.
Police yet to identify mastermind
Police also identified Lokesh Teja Kotari of Byndoor as the person who allegedly provided the two motorcycles used in the murder.
Suraj Kumar was arrested before Anuj Patel in connection with the case. Udupi district police also coordinated with police departments in several states during the investigation, as several accused reportedly have criminal cases registered against them elsewhere.
However, police have not yet established who ultimately orchestrated the killing.
The SP said the actual mastermind is yet to be established and may or may not be Hemanth Poojary, indicating that the investigation remains underway.