Udupi: Three arrested in David D’Souza Murder Case; Financial Dispute Suspected Behind Contract Killing

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 8, 2026: Police have arrested three persons in connection with the shooting death of businessman and Congress leader David D’Souza (55) at Mudarangadi in Udupi district. Preliminary investigation has revealed that a financial dispute may have led to the alleged contract killing, police said.

The incident took place on August 7 at around 3.45 pm when D’Souza arrived at the Prince Enterprises office located in the St Xavier Church Complex at Mudarangadi in Kaup taluk. As he walked towards the driver’s side door of his Thar vehicle, bike-borne assailants allegedly opened fire at him.

D’Souza sustained a bullet injury to his head and was rushed to Adarsha Hospital in Udupi in critical condition. However, doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, Shirva Police registered a murder case and launched an investigation to trace the accused.

Acting on reliable information that three persons directly involved in the crime were travelling by bus towards Bhatkal, police intercepted the bus near Ottinene in Byndoor. The accused allegedly got off the bus and attempted to flee.

During the chase, one of the accused, identified as Raju (42), a native of Thana Pilwa in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly pushed Kaup Police PSI Tejaswi and fired at the police with a pistol while attempting to escape. In self-defence, police shot Raju in the leg and apprehended him. The pistol was also seized from his possession.

PSI Tejaswi sustained injuries in the incident and is undergoing treatment at the Udupi District Hospital. Raju is also receiving inpatient treatment at the hospital.

The other two accused, Ajay Rastogi alias Anmol (23) from Uttarakhand and Jiyahul Wajul Sheikh alias Deepak (38) from Bihar, were apprehended on Saturday morning. Ajay was traced and detained in Kumta with the assistance of Kumta Police, while Deepak was apprehended in Bhatkal with the assistance of Bhatkal Police.

Financial Dispute Suspected Motive

According to police, D’Souza had reportedly developed a financial dispute with an out-of-state company in connection with a construction project he was undertaking. Preliminary investigation indicates that the dispute may have led to a contract being given for his murder, police said.

Police are continuing efforts to identify those who assisted in the crime, provided financial support or sheltered the accused.

The motorcycle allegedly used by the accused was abandoned at Ermal and has been seized by police.

The operation was carried out under the leadership of Udupi District Police Deputy Superintendent Belliyappa, with the participation of Kaup Circle Inspector Azmath Ali G., DSB Inspector Harish, Byndoor Circle Inspector Shivakumar, Kundapur Circle Inspector Santosh Kaykini, PSIs and personnel from various police stations.

Police teams from Bhatkal and Kumta, the District Crime Investigation Team, fingerprint and dog squads, and the CDR cell also assisted in the operation.