David D’Souza murder case: Eighth accused arrested in Uttarakhand

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug. 21, 2026: Police have arrested the eighth accused in the recent murder of businessman, former Mudarangady Gram Panchayat president, and Congress leader David D’Souza. The accused, who had been absconding, was apprehended near Haldwani in Nainital district of Uttarakhand.

The arrested accused has been identified as Suraj Kumar (31), a resident of Kattari in Bihar’s Sheikhpura district. Kundapur police, who were on a special operation across several states including Mumbai and Delhi to trace the suspects, took him into custody near Haldwani and brought him to Udupi.

According to police, Suraj Kumar was involved in the criminal conspiracy behind the murder and had allegedly provided financial assistance for carrying out the crime before going into hiding.

David D’Souza was shot dead on August 7 at around 3.45 pm in front of the St Xavier’s Church Complex in Mudarangady, Kapu taluk. Of the two assailants who arrived on a motorcycle, the pillion rider allegedly fired a pistol shot at D’Souza’s head, killing him on the spot. A case was registered at Shirva Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.

Within 24 hours of the murder, police arrested the two accused directly involved in the killing, identified as Anmol Rastogi and Jiahul Wajul Sheikh alias Deepak, and produced them before a court.

The prime accused, Raju, is currently undergoing treatment at Ajjarkad District Government Hospital after being injured in an attempted murder case involving government officials under the Byndoor Police Station limits. Police said he will be taken into custody for further questioning after his discharge from the hospital.

Earlier, police had also arrested Mohammed Irshad, Chirag Poojary, Sadananda Devadiga, and Kishore Ram Poojary for allegedly conspiring with the other accused and providing financial support for the murder. They have been produced before the court.

After being brought from Nainital, Suraj Kumar was formally arrested before the investigating officer. Police have seized the mobile phone allegedly used in connection with the crime.

He was produced before the court on August 20. Following a hearing, Udupi Principal Senior Civil Judge and Chief Judicial Magistrate M. Purushotham remanded him to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway.

With the arrest of Suraj Kumar, the total number of accused arrested in the David D’Souza murder case has risen to eight.