Udupi SP Hariram Shankar has revealed that the murder of David D’Souza was a contract killing triggered by a massive financial dispute over UPCL contracts. Three high-profile criminals with dozens of cases have been apprehended.
Key Takeaways
- The murder of David D’Souza was motivated by a ₹2-3 crore dispute over UPCL contracts.
- Three accused, including a serial offender named Raju, have been arrested.
- Over ₹2 lakh was transferred to the primary accused's bank account in stages.
- The suspects used a 9mm pistol and operated under false identities.
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar announced on Saturday that the preliminary investigation into the murder of David D’Souza in Mudarangadi points toward a targeted 'supari' (contract) killing. The motive appears to be rooted in intense financial competition regarding Udupi Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) contracts.
According to the SP, the victim was a contractor embroiled in a dispute with another individual over a contract valued between ₹2 crore and ₹3 crore. Investigations suggest that a person from North India may have orchestrated the hit. A specialized police team is currently hunting for the mastermind behind the payment.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the increasing intersection of high-stakes business contracts and organized crime poses a significant threat to regional stability. The ability of professional criminals to move across state lines and use false identities highlights the sophisticated nature of modern contract killings in India.
"The accused were not even fully acquainted with each other, using fake names to mask their identities during the planning phase."
The investigation has uncovered a significant paper trail. More than ₹2 lakh was credited to the bank account of the primary accused, Raju, in multiple stages. Police are now working to trace the exact source of these funds. During the arrest, authorities seized a 9mm pistol, three mobile phones, and several SIM cards used by the gang.
Criminal Profile of the Accused
| Accused Name | Total Cases | Primary Offenses |
|---|---|---|
| Raju (A1) | 26 | Murder, Assault, Robbery |
| Ajay Rastogi (A2) | 08 | Robbery & Violent Crimes |
| Ziaul Vazul Sheikh (A3) | 12 | Dacoity, Shootouts, Robbery |
The scale of criminality involved is staggering. Raju is a habitual offender with 26 registered cases across five states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, and Rajasthan. The trio had reportedly arrived in Mudarangadi approximately two months ago to execute the crime, showing high levels of premeditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the motive behind the murder?
The murder was allegedly a contract killing stemming from a ₹2-3 crore dispute over UPCL contracts.
2. What evidence did the police recover?
Police recovered a 9mm pistol, three mobile phones, and SIM cards from the arrested suspects.
