Udupi businessman David D’Souza murder: Suspected underworld links bring Hemanth Poojari into focus

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 27, 2026: Following recent arrests in the murder of businessman David D’Souza from Mudrangady, alleged underworld links have once again come under the spotlight in the criminal history of the coastal districts. The name of Hemanth Poojari, who is believed to have been a close associate of underworld don Chhota Rajan, has resurfaced in connection with the case.

The investigation has reportedly turned towards Kishore Poojari, Hemanth Poojari’s brother, who is accused of providing funds allegedly required to carry out the murder. Kishore Ram Poojari is also suspected of having sought a contract at UPCL in Padubidri. The contract was later reportedly awarded to David D’Souza.

Hemanth Poojari, also known as HP, was once a feared figure in the Mumbai underworld. He was believed to have died about a decade ago and had reportedly disappeared from the radar of Indian investigating agencies.

The recent shooting of David D’Souza in Mudrangady on August 7 has shocked not only the State but also drawn the attention of Mumbai Police. During the investigation, police have reportedly uncovered alleged links to the underworld and audio clips purportedly featuring Hemanth Poojari have surfaced.

Police said the audio clips are being examined. It has not yet been established whether Hemanth Poojari himself made the calls or whether someone else used his name.

Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said a person identifying himself as Hemanth Poojari had allegedly called UPCL officials and the deceased David D’Souza, insisting that the contract be awarded to Kishore Poojari.

The same person is alleged to have been in contact with other accused in the case — Chirag Poojari, Sadananda Devadiga and Kishore Poojari — as well as the alleged shooters Raju, Anmol Rastogi and Ziaul Sheikh. Police suspect that he coordinated the operation and said his role in the case appears significant.

Hemanth Poojari’s underworld history

Hemanth Poojari was active in the Mumbai underworld but had reportedly not been linked to any criminal activity for nearly a decade. His name gained national attention after he allegedly shot dead 75-year-old bakery owner Angara Poojari in Goregaon, Mumbai, in March 2011 over an extortion-related dispute.

After 2011, Hemanth Poojari reportedly remained out of the spotlight. In 2013, reports emerged that he had either died or been killed abroad. He subsequently disappeared from the radar of Indian investigating agencies.

However, 11 years later, the name ‘HP’ has resurfaced in connection with the Mudrangady shooting case in Udupi, raising concerns among businessmen in the coastal region. If the voice in the audio clips is confirmed to be that of Hemanth Poojari, it could mark a significant development in the case and revive questions about links between the coastal region and the Mumbai underworld.

Police are also reportedly investigating claims that several hotel and business owners in coastal Karnataka and Mumbai received threatening calls allegedly made in Hemanth Poojari’s name.

Cases linked to Hemanth Poojari

Cases reportedly associated with Hemanth Poojari include the murders of hotelier Ratnakar Shetty, owner of Aamantran Bar near Khar railway station, on December 21, 2001; Golden Crown Hotel owner Jai Shetty at Nana Chowk on May 4, 2001; and hotelier Mohammed Shafi near Milan Subway on April 4, 2001.

His name has also been linked to the murder of Sunil Sohans, a flower trader from Khar, and Akbar Khan, an accused in a bomb blast case in Dongri.

Hemanth Poojari, who reportedly left school before completing Class 12 at Cardinal Gracias High School, grew up in the Nirmal Nagar slum in Khar. He initially worked as a waiter in Ghatkopar before coming into contact with members of Chhota Rajan’s gang. He subsequently rose through the ranks as a shooter.

He first gained notoriety following the murder of builder Shaukat Sarkar in Khar in November 1999. He later became a key member of Rajan’s gang before reportedly breaking away around 2002 to form his own gang.

If the person heard in the audio clips is confirmed to be Hemanth Poojari, his alleged involvement could emerge as a major development in the David D’Souza murder investigation. It could also strengthen suspicions of a connection between criminal networks in coastal Karnataka and the Mumbai underworld.