David D’Souza shootout case: Two key accused held for financing crime; arrests rise to seven

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug. 15, 2026: Police have arrested two key accused in connection with the shootout targeting former Mudarangady Gram Panchayat president and contractor David D’Souza, taking the total number of arrests in the case to seven.

The arrested accused have been identified as Sadananda Devadiga (41), a resident near Admaru Math in Bada Ermal village, and Kishore Rama Poojary (47), a resident near Uchil Mahalakshmi Temple.

During the investigation into the August 7 incident, police had earlier arrested three persons directly involved in the crime — Raju, Anmol Rastogi, and Jiahul Sheikh. Anmol Rastogi and Jiahul Sheikh were taken into police custody and subjected to intensive interrogation.

An examination of the accused persons’ bank account details revealed that Mohammed Irshad and Chirag Poojary had transferred money to the accused and assisted them in carrying out the crime. Both were subsequently arrested.

Further analysis of bank transactions, mobile phone records, call data, and CCTV footage tracking the movements of the accused revealed that Sadananda Devadiga and Kishore Poojary had allegedly conspired to commit the crime and provided financial support for its execution.

Based on the findings, police arrested the duo. From Sadananda, police seized two mobile phones, a motorcycle, and cash allegedly linked to the crime. From Kishore Poojary, police recovered three mobile phones and a car used in connection with the offence.

Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said the accused would be produced before a court.

The SP further stated that Raju, one of the main accused directly involved in the shootout, was injured in a separate case involving an alleged attempt to murder government officials during his arrest within the Byndoor police station limits. He is currently undergoing treatment as an inpatient at the district government hospital and will be taken into custody for further questioning after his discharge.