Udupi: Three persons have been arrested in connection with the shooting and murder of businessman and Congress leader David D’Souza, 55, at Mudrangadi in Udupi district. Police said a preliminary investigation points to a financial dispute as the suspected motive behind the killing.
David D’Souza shot near office
The incident occurred at around 3.45 pm on August 7 at the Prince Enterprises office complex at St Xavier Church Complex in Mudrangadi, Kapu taluk.
D’Souza had reportedly arrived at the office and was walking towards the driver’s side door of his Thar vehicle when unidentified persons riding a motorcycle opened fire. He sustained a gunshot injury to his head and was rushed to Adarsh Hospital in Udupi. Doctors later declared him dead.
A murder case was registered at Shirva Police Station, following which police launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved.
Police intercept suspects near Ottinene
Police received information that three persons allegedly directly involved in the crime were travelling by bus towards Bhatkal. A team intercepted the bus near Ottinene in Byndoor.
During the operation, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee. One of them, identified as Raju, 42, a native of Pilwa in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly pushed Kapu Police PSI Tejaswi and fired at police with a pistol while attempting to escape.
Police reportedly fired at his leg in self-defence and apprehended him. The pistol was also seized. PSI Tejaswi sustained injuries in the incident and is undergoing treatment at Udupi District Hospital. Raju is also receiving treatment as an inpatient.
The other two accused, Ajay Rastogi alias Anmol, 23, from Uttarakhand, and Jiyahul Wajul Sheikh alias Deepak, 38, from Bihar, were subsequently detained in Kumta and Bhatkal respectively with assistance from local police.
Financial dispute suspected behind murder
According to police, D’Souza had a financial dispute with an out-of-state company in connection with a project he was undertaking. Preliminary investigation suggests that the dispute may have led to a contract killing being planned.
Police have also seized the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime after it was abandoned at Ermal. Investigations are continuing to identify others who may have provided assistance, financial support or shelter to the accused.