Udupi: Man arrested for supplying businessmen’s phone numbers to gangster Hemant Poojary

Udupi: Man arrested for supplying businessmen’s phone numbers to gangster Hemant Poojary

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, November 5, 2026: In a major breakthrough in an extortion case involving underworld operative Hemant Poojary, Shirva police have arrested a man accused of supplying the mobile phone numbers of wealthy businessmen in Udupi district to the gangster.

According to the police, following the murder of David D’Souza of Mudrangady, underworld operative Hemant Poojary began targeting businessmen and traders operating in the jurisdictions of Padubidri, Manipal, Kaup and Shirva police stations.

Using international phone numbers, he allegedly contacted businessmen and demanded crores of rupees. He also threatened to kill them in the same manner as David D’Souza if they failed to pay the demanded amount.

A total of eight cases relating to such threat and extortion calls have been registered at various police stations.

During the investigation into a case registered at Shirva police station, the police identified the alleged involvement of Harish Poojary (45), a resident of Santur village. He allegedly supplied Hemant Poojary with the mobile phone numbers of several wealthy individuals in Udupi, including that of the complainant, thereby facilitating the extortion attempts.

During interrogation, Harish Poojary reportedly admitted to sharing the complainant’s mobile number with Hemant Poojary, police said.

The accused was arrested on November 2. Police have seized two mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. He was subsequently produced before the court.