Kundapur: A local court on Sunday remanded Derek Crasta (55), a resident of Kannadakudru near Hemmady, to five days of police custody in connection with the July 31 shooting incident on Church Road in Kundapur.
The court allowed the police custody application to facilitate further investigation after the accused was produced before the judge. Following the order, police took Derek Crasta into custody for detailed interrogation.
Financial dispute led to shooting
According to the investigation, the shooting stemmed from a dispute over financial matters.
Police alleged that during the altercation, Derek Crasta opened fire on Ivan Richard Mascarenhas alias Munna (45) using a rifle, injuring him in the thigh before fleeing the scene in his car.
The injured man was shifted to hospital for treatment, while police launched an extensive search to trace the accused.
Special team traced accused
On the directions of Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, a special investigation team was formed to investigate the case.
The team tracked down and arrested Derek Crasta near Belake in Bhatkal on Saturday afternoon after conducting an intensive search operation.
Police said the arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the high-profile shootout.
Rifle and car recovered
During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed the location where he had concealed the weapon and vehicle used in the offence.
Based on the information provided, police recovered the rifle allegedly used in the shooting and the car from a secluded forest area near the Shirur border in Udupi district.
The recovery forms a crucial part of the evidence in the case and will aid the ongoing investigation.
Spot mahazar conducted
A spot mahazar was conducted on Sunday by the investigating team led by Kundapur Town Police Inspector Jayaram Gowda.
The inspection was carried out with the assistance of Sub-Inspector Nanja Nayak, police personnel and the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) team.
Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and record statements as part of the probe.
Investigation continues
Police said the five-day custody will be utilised to gather additional evidence, verify the sequence of events and establish all aspects surrounding the shooting.
Further investigation is under way.