Udupi police have apprehended three North Indian men in connection with the brutal murder of former Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat President, David D’Souza. A police encounter during the chase led to an officer being injured.

Key Takeaways

  • Former Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat President David D’Souza was shot dead near his office.
  • Three suspects from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar have been arrested.
  • A police encounter occurred during the arrest, resulting in an injury to PSI Tejaswi.
  • Preliminary investigations suggest financial disputes related to UPCL contracts as a motive.

Udupi, Karnataka: In a swift coordinated operation, the Udupi district police, alongside the Uttara Kannada district police, have arrested three North Indian nationals allegedly involved in the murder of David D’Souza, the former President of Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat. The incident occurred on Friday, August 7, 2026, near St. Francis Xavier Church in Pilar.

The Dramatic Arrest and Police Encounter

The pursuit began after police received a tip-off that the suspects were traveling via bus toward Bhatkal. Upon intercepting the bus near the Ottinene hillock, the three accused attempted to flee on foot. During the chase, the primary suspect, 42-year-old Raju from Uttar Pradesh, allegedly assaulted Police Sub-Inspector Tejaswi and opened fire. In an act of self-defense, PSI Tejaswi returned fire, striking Raju in the leg and securing his arrest.

Through seamless coordination with Kumta and Bhatkal police, authorities also apprehended Ajay Rastogi (23) from Uttarakhand and Ziahul Vazul Sheikh, alias Deepak (38) from Bihar. Both the injured officer and the accused are currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Udupi and are reported to be out of danger.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this crime highlights the volatile intersection of local governance, civil contracting, and organized crime. The victim, Mr. D’Souza, was heavily involved in civil works for the Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL). The investigation is now pivoting toward whether these murders were targeted hits stemming from high-stakes financial dealings in the contracting sector.

The ability of the police to track suspects across district lines shows high tactical efficiency, yet the motive points toward deep-seated commercial rivalry.

Historical Context: David D’Souza was not a stranger to legal scrutiny; he was reportedly facing 14 different cases. Many of these were linked to his involvement in protests against the UPCL project, including a 2020 case involving allegations of abetment to suicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where did the murder take place?
The murder occurred in front of Mr. D’Souza's office, 'Prince Enterprises', in Pilar.

2. Who are the arrested individuals?
The arrested suspects include Raju (UP), Ajay Rastogi (Uttarakhand), and Ziahul Vazul Sheikh (Bihar).

Did You Know?: CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying the assailant, showing the attack and the suspects fleeing on a motorcycle.