Udupi: Udupi police have warned of legal action against those using or circulating an audio clip allegedly recorded from the phone of an assailant involved in the murder of former Mudarangady gram panchayat president David D’Souza. Police said the audio is connected to the ongoing investigation and warned that unauthorised use or publication of material from the case could affect the probe.
The warning comes as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding D’Souza’s murder and the alleged motive behind the attack. Police have already arrested suspects in connection with the case, while investigators are looking into a possible dispute involving contracts linked to Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL).
Police warn against circulation of audio
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals involved in sharing or publishing audio clips connected to the murder investigation.
The police have also indicated that action could be taken against any police personnel found to have leaked confidential investigation material.
The warning follows the circulation of an audio recording that reportedly contains a conversation involving a man claiming to be Hemanth. According to the available report, the man allegedly contacted UPCL officials regarding a contract linked to a desalination plant.
Police are treating the audio as part of the investigation and have expressed concern over its unauthorised circulation.
Audio allegedly linked to assailant’s phone
The audio clip reportedly came from the phone of one of the assailants being investigated in connection with D’Souza’s murder.
In the recording, the man allegedly contacted officials of Udupi Power Corporation Limited and requested that a contract for laying a pipeline for a desalination plant be awarded to his brother, Kishore Ram Poojary, instead of D’Souza.
The contents of the recording have drawn attention because investigators are examining whether disputes over contracts played a role in the murder.
However, the circulation of an audio clip does not by itself establish the motive or involvement of any individual. Police are expected to verify the recording, establish its context and compare it with other evidence gathered during the investigation.
David D’Souza murder investigation
David D’Souza, a businessman and former president of Mudarangady gram panchayat, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Udupi district.
The murder triggered a major police investigation, with authorities examining possible financial and contractual disputes as well as the alleged involvement of criminal networks.
D’Souza’s background as a contractor and his links to local development-related projects have become part of the investigation.
Police are examining several possible connections to determine why he was targeted.
Contract dispute emerges as possible motive
According to Udupi SP Hariram Shankar, investigators suspect that a dispute involving multi-crore contracts executed by Udupi Power Corporation Limited may have been linked to the murder.
The contracts reportedly involved pipeline and concrete road projects in the Yermal gram panchayat area.
The investigation is also looking into a suspected underworld connection.
Police have not, however, indicated that the contract dispute alone conclusively establishes the motive. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and question those connected with the case.
The newly circulated audio has attracted attention because of its alleged reference to one such contract.
Mumbai gangster arrested in the case
The investigation has already resulted in arrests.
On August 24, Udupi police arrested Anuj Patil, a 35-year-old alleged gangster from Mumbai, in connection with D’Souza’s murder.
The arrest was a significant development in the investigation because police were examining whether people from outside Karnataka had been involved in the planning or execution of the attack.
Investigators are continuing to establish the roles of the various suspects and determine whether the murder was carried out as part of a larger criminal conspiracy.
Police concerned about investigation material becoming public
The Udupi police warning is also about protecting the integrity of the investigation.
Audio recordings, call details and other digital evidence can contain information that investigators need to verify before drawing conclusions.
If such material is circulated publicly without context, it can potentially affect witnesses, suspects and the direction of the investigation.
Police have therefore warned individuals and organisations against using the audio for public circulation or publication without authorisation.
The warning reportedly extends to police personnel if they are found to have leaked confidential material.
Investigation continues into the alleged contract link
Investigators are examining whether the conversation contained in the audio has a direct connection to the events leading up to D’Souza’s murder.
The alleged demand concerning the pipeline contract could provide investigators with a possible lead into the dispute.
However, police will need to establish several aspects, including the identities of the people involved in the conversation, the authenticity of the recording and whether the contract dispute was directly connected to the murder.
These questions are expected to form part of the continuing investigation.
Police examining multiple angles
The D’Souza murder investigation is not limited to the audio recording.
Police are examining the circumstances of the shooting, the movements of the accused, possible financial disputes and alleged connections to criminal networks.
The arrest of an alleged Mumbai gangster has also widened the investigation beyond the immediate locality.
Investigators are expected to piece together evidence from multiple sources before establishing the complete sequence of events.
Audio clip does not establish guilt
The circulation of the recording has generated considerable attention, but its contents need to be assessed carefully.
An audio recording allegedly taken from a suspect’s phone can provide investigators with a lead, but its relevance to a criminal case depends on verification and corroboration.
Police will need to determine whether the recording is genuine, who participated in the conversation and what the conversation means in the context of the investigation.
Until these aspects are established, the contents should not be treated as definitive proof of motive or guilt.
Legal action possible over unauthorised use
The police warning indicates that authorities are taking the circulation of the recording seriously.
Individuals who publish, circulate or otherwise use confidential investigation material could face legal consequences if their actions violate applicable laws or interfere with the investigation.
Police have particularly warned against attempts to exploit the material while the case remains under investigation.
The move is also intended to prevent unverified claims from influencing public perception of the case.
Udupi police seek to protect evidence
Digital evidence has become increasingly important in criminal investigations.
Mobile phones can contain call recordings, messages, location information and other material that may help investigators establish connections between suspects and potential motives.
In the D’Souza case, the alleged audio recording could therefore form part of the wider digital evidence being examined by investigators.
Police are expected to preserve and analyse such material through appropriate investigative procedures.
More developments expected in murder case
The investigation is likely to continue as police question arrested suspects and examine evidence linked to the alleged contract dispute.
The authorities may also investigate whether additional individuals were involved in planning or facilitating the murder.
Further arrests or charges could follow if investigators establish additional links.
For now, the police have focused on preventing unauthorised circulation of investigation material while continuing to investigate the murder itself.
Conclusion
Udupi: Police have warned of legal action against those circulating or using an audio clip allegedly recovered from the phone of an assailant in the murder of former Mudarangady gram panchayat president David D’Souza. Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said strict action could also be taken against police personnel if they are found responsible for leaking confidential material.
The audio reportedly contains a conversation about a contract linked to Udupi Power Corporation Limited, with a man claiming to be Hemanth allegedly asking officials to award a pipeline contract to his brother instead of D’Souza. Police are examining whether the alleged contract dispute is connected to the murder.
The investigation has already seen the arrest of an alleged Mumbai gangster, Anuj Patil, while police continue to examine the wider conspiracy and possible motive behind D’Souza’s killing.