Padubidri: Congress leader David D’Souza laid to rest at Pilaru Church

Mangalore Today News Network

Padubidri, August 9, 2026: The funeral of Congress leader David D’Souza, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants, was held at Pilaru Church in Mudrangadi on Sunday.

The mortal remains, kept at Manipal, were brought to Rajeev Bhavan in Kaup, where Congress leaders and workers paid their last respects. The body was later taken in a procession through Katapady and Shirva to the Mudrangadi Gram Panchayat office, Pilaru Kunjigudde Colony and his residence.

The mortal remains were then brought to Pilaru Church, where arrangements were made for public homage. A large number of people gathered to pay their last respects. Following the final rites at the church, the funeral was conducted.

Mudrangadi town observed a complete shutdown on Sunday in view of the funeral. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed, while autorickshaws and tempos stayed off the roads.

Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, family members, well-wishers and a large number of Congress workers attended the funeral.

Speaking on the occasion, Sorake said three people had already been arrested in connection with David D’Souza’s murder and that the police had intensified the investigation. He said there were also suspicions of local involvement and that more details were expected to emerge soon.

Ivan D’Souza said David was a close friend who had been actively involved in business as well as social service. He had earned the respect of people from all communities, and his death was an irreparable loss to the Congress party, Ivan said.

Coastal Development Authority Chairman M.A. Gafoor, Congress district president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor and several others were present.