Udupi: Underworld operative Hemant Poojary, who is wanted in connection with more than 25 serious criminal cases in Karnataka and Maharashtra, has reportedly been arrested abroad in an operation involving Interpol and India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Efforts are reportedly underway to bring him to India to face the cases registered against him.
According to reports published on November 9, 2026, there are differing accounts about where Poojary was arrested. While some sources claim he was detained in Malaysia a few weeks ago, others have reported that he was apprehended in Myanmar. The exact location and circumstances of the reported arrest have not yet been officially confirmed. Maharashtra Police are also said to have assisted in the operation.
Wanted in more than 25 criminal cases
Poojary was wanted in connection with more than 25 serious criminal cases, including the murder of Udupi businessman David D’Souza, as well as other murder cases, assaults and extortion-related threats in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
His name came under renewed scrutiny during the investigation into the murder of David D’Souza, who was killed at Mudrangady on August 7, 2026. Following the murder, several businessmen, contractors and hotel owners in Udupi district reportedly received threatening calls demanding large sums of money.
Acting on the instructions of the Home Minister, district police registered eight cases in the jurisdictions of Shirva, Padubidri, Kaup and Manipal police stations in connection with the alleged extortion threats.
Two alleged associates arrested
As part of the investigation, police arrested two men, identified as Suresh Amin and Harish Poojary, for allegedly supplying mobile phone numbers of businessmen and other individuals to Hemant Poojary.
Their arrests reportedly helped investigators gather technical evidence and examine the network through which the alleged threats were being made. Police are continuing to investigate the people suspected of assisting Poojary and the wider network linked to the extortion cases.
Links with Mumbai underworld
Poojary’s parents originally hail from Ermal in Udupi district, although he was born in Maharashtra. He reportedly visited Ermal several years ago because of his family’s roots in the region.
In Mumbai, he initially associated with members of underworld don Chhota Rajan’s gang. He later emerged as a shooter and extortionist and came into the limelight in connection with the 1999 murder of builder Shaukat Sarkar in Mumbai’s Khar area. He subsequently became part of Chhota Rajan’s close circle.
In 2002, Poojary reportedly parted ways with the gang and established his own criminal network, operating across Karnataka and Maharashtra.
He was allegedly involved in several high-profile murders, including the killings of hotel businessman Ratnakar Shetty on December 21, 2001, hotel owner Mohammed Shafi on April 4, 2001, and hotel owner Jaya Shetty on May 4, 2001. His name was also linked to the murders of bomb blast accused Akbar Khan and flower trader Sunil Sohans.
Remained untraceable for nearly a decade
Poojary reportedly remained untraceable for nearly 10 years. During this period, police are said to have suspected that he had died due to ill health.
However, his name resurfaced during the investigation into David D’Souza’s murder. Investigators were initially uncertain whether Poojary was alive or involved in the case. Information revealed by other accused during questioning reportedly helped police establish that he was still alive.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police were tracking his movements and reportedly learnt that he was staying abroad. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him, and information obtained from members of his close circle is said to have helped authorities trace his whereabouts.
Efforts underway to bring him to India
The reported arrest is being viewed as an important development in the investigations into the alleged extortion network and other criminal cases linked to Poojary. Authorities are reportedly making efforts to bring him to India so that he can face the cases registered against him.
However, the country where he was detained and the precise circumstances of the operation remain unclear. The reported arrest and the efforts to secure his return have not yet been confirmed through an official announcement detailing the operation.
His questioning in India could provide investigators with further information about the alleged criminal network, the threats made to businessmen in Udupi district and the murder of David D’Souza. The investigations into the cases registered across the district are continuing.