Karnataka Congress leader shot dead in public; 3 held for ‘contract killing’

D’Souza was taken to Adarsh Hospital in Udupi, where doctors declared him dead. A case was registered at Shirva police station on charges of murder and under the Arms Act.

D’Souza was a former president of the Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat and a civil contractor. He had served multiple terms as panchayat president and also ran businesses, including a local bar and a public transport unit.

Raju from Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Rastogi from Uttarakhand and Jiyahul Vazool Shek from Bihar have been arrested for their alleged role in Udupi Congress leader David D’Souza’s murder.

Policeman, accused hurt in shootout

“During the investigation, we received information that three men allegedly involved in the shooting were travelling by bus towards Bhatkal. A police team intercepted the bus at Ottinane in Byndoor,” a senior police official said.

According to police, the three men got off the bus and attempted to flee. During the chase, one of the accused, Raju, allegedly pushed Kapu Police Sub-Inspector Tejaswi and fired at the officer with a pistol before attempting to escape.

The police said they fired at Raju’s leg in self-defence and subsequently caught him along with the pistol. Tejaswi sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at Udupi District Hospital. Raju is also admitted to the hospital.

“A separate case has been registered against Raju for allegedly opening fire at the officer at Byndoor police station,” the senior police officer added.

The two other accused were arrested separately. While Ajay was caught in Kumta, Shek was arrested in Bhatkal, with assistance from the local police. The police also seized the motorcycle that was allegedly used in the crime and abandoned.

Police suspect contract killing

Preliminary investigation suggests that D’Souza had a financial dispute with an out-of-state company in connection with a construction project he had undertaken, the police said. Investigators suspect that a ‘contract’ was issued to kill him following the dispute.

“We are now trying to identify those who allegedly commissioned the killing and those who assisted the accused by providing financial support or shelter,” a police officer said.