Udupi: The Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range) has granted permission to investigate the murder of Mudarangadi-based businessman David D’Souza under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA), bringing an organised crime angle into the case. While 10 accused have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody, the alleged prime accused and underworld operative Hemanth Poojary remains absconding.
The permission was granted after the police submitted a proposal through the Udupi District Superintendent of Police, citing evidence of organised criminal activities involving the accused and underworld figures. The investigation has now been transferred to the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of the Karkala subdivision.
Businessman shot dead in Mudarangadi
David D’Souza, owner of Prince Enterprises located within the St Xavier Church complex in Mudarangadi, Kapu taluk, was shot dead on August 7, 2026.
The incident occurred at approximately 3.45 pm when two miscreants arrived at the spot on a motorcycle. The pillion rider allegedly opened fire with a pistol, shooting David in the head. The attackers then fled from the scene.
A murder case was registered at Shirva Police Station, and a police team began investigating the incident to identify those involved and establish the motive behind the killing.
Suspects intercepted near Byndoor
During the investigation, police reportedly received reliable information that three suspects directly involved in the murder were travelling by bus towards Bhatkal.
Acting on the information, police intercepted the bus near Ottinane in Byndoor and began searching for the suspects. The three allegedly got off the bus and attempted to escape when the police approached them.
During the pursuit, one of the suspects allegedly pushed the police sub-inspector (PSI) attached to Kaup Police Station, fired a shot from a pistol and attempted to flee.
In response, the police opened fire, hitting the suspect in the leg, and took him into custody. The pistol carried by him was also seized.
Police identified the arrested individual as Raju, 42, also known by the aliases Faji, Subhod and Raju Hetram Jatav. According to the police, he was the person who allegedly fired the fatal shot at David D’Souza.
A separate case was registered at Byndoor Police Station against him for allegedly injuring a police officer and obstructing him from discharging his official duties.
Ten arrested; Hemanth Poojary remains absconding
So far, 10 individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder and produced before the court. They have been identified as:
- Raju (42), alias Faji, alias Subhod, alias Raju Hetram Jatav
- Anmol Rastogi (23)
- Jiahul Vajul Shaikh (38), alias Deepak
- Chirag Poojary (24)
- Mohammad Irshad (46)
- Sadananda Devadiga (41)
- Kishore Rama Poojary (47)
- Suraj Kumar (31)
- Lokesh Teja Kothari (42)
- Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel (36)
The 11th accused, underworld operative Hemanth Poojary, is still at large. Police are continuing efforts to trace him and establish the roles of all those allegedly involved in the murder.
Police uncover alleged organised crime network
During the investigation, police reportedly found that the accused had been involved in organised criminal activities in association with underworld figures, including Hemanth Poojary, Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel and Kishore Poojary.
Based on these findings, the police sought permission to invoke the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA), which provides a legal framework to investigate and prosecute organised crime.
The proposal was submitted through the Udupi District Superintendent of Police to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range). After examining the proposal, the DIG granted permission to proceed with the investigation under the Act.
The move marks a significant development in the case, as the investigation will now examine not only the murder but also the alleged organised criminal activities and connections involving the accused.
Case transferred to special KCOCA court
Following the approval to invoke KCOCA, the accused and the complete investigation records have been handed over to the Principal District and Sessions Court and the Special KCOCA Court in Mysuru.
As per the court’s order, the arrested accused are currently in judicial custody. The Assistant Superintendent of Police of the Karkala subdivision has been appointed as the new investigating officer.
With 10 arrests made and the KCOCA investigation authorised, police are expected to focus on establishing the alleged network behind the murder and tracing Hemanth Poojary, who remains absconding. Further investigation will determine the individual roles and the extent of the alleged organised crime activities linked to the case.