Kundapur: Police have arrested the prime accused who had been absconding in connection with the fatal shooting on Church Road in Kundapur taluk, in which a 45-year-old man was killed during the early hours of Friday, July 31. The arrest was made by a special police team under the supervision of the Udupi Superintendent of Police after an intensive search operation.
The accused has been identified as Derrick Crasta (55), a native of Kannadakudru near Hemmadi who was residing in an apartment in Kundapur. Police said he will be produced before the court, while further investigation into the case is continuing.
Fatal shooting on Church Road
According to the police, Derrick Crasta is the prime accused in the shooting death of Ivan Richard Mascarenhas alias Munna (45), a native of Hebri who had been living in a rented house near Kachoor in Barkur.
The incident occurred during the early hours of July 31 on Church Road in Kundapur taluk and led to a major police investigation to trace the accused, who had allegedly fled after the shooting.
The incident had created concern in the locality, prompting the police to launch a search across multiple locations.
Special team tracks down accused
Following the incident, the Udupi district police formed a special investigation team under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police to trace the absconding accused.
After gathering intelligence and conducting a sustained search, the team arrested Derrick Crasta on Saturday at Belke Herbudike in Bhatkal.
Police said the operation was carried out successfully after tracking the accused’s movements. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Accused to be produced before court
Police officials said Derrick Crasta will be produced before the jurisdictional court for further legal proceedings.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive behind the crime and any events leading up to the incident.
The police are also collecting additional evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation continues
The arrest of the prime accused marks a significant development in the case, bringing the main suspect into police custody within a day of the incident.
Officials said further investigation is underway to establish all aspects of the case, including the sequence of events and any other individuals who may have information relevant to the investigation.
Police have not disclosed additional details at this stage, stating that the investigation is still in progress.