Prime accused in Congress leader David D’Souza’s murder arrested after shootout with police in Udupi

UDUPI: The prime accused in the murder of Congress leader and businessman David D’Souza was arrested after a police encounter in the Ottinane area near Byndoor in Udupi district on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Raju, a native of Uttar Pradesh, sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg after police allegedly opened fire in self-defence when he attacked the police team. Sub-Inspector Tejasvi was also injured during the exchange of fire and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Raju has been admitted to Manipal Hospital for treatment.

According to police, Raju allegedly attacked the police personnel during the operation, prompting them to open fire in self-defence. Two other accused persons managed to escape from the spot following the encounter. Police have launched a search operation to trace and apprehend them.

The police teams are conducting searches in and around the area and have intensified efforts to nab the absconding accused. The encounter took place during the police operation in connection with the murder case of David D’Souza. The arrest of Raju, who has been identified as the prime accused, is expected to aid the ongoing investigation into the case.

Police are also investigating the role of the two accused who fled the spot and are working to establish the sequence of events surrounding the murder. Further details are awaited.

David D’Souza was shot dead by two unidentified assailants. D’Souza, a resident of Mudarangadi, was a businessman and was also involved in contracting activities. He was an active Congress worker in the region. The incident took place around 3.30 pm in front of St Francis Xavier Church in Pilaru village, within the limits of Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat.

The exact reason for the incident has not yet been revealed. Police are investigating from various angles, including personal enmity, and have launched a special operation to trace the accused. Senior police officers visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

David D’Souza was involved in several businesses, including bus operations, and had previously made news over some controversies. A case was registered against him and he was arrested in connection with the abetment to suicide of a religious leader. The body was sent to a hospital for postmortem examination.

Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake visited the hospital to see David’s body. David was well-known as a Congress leader in the Shirva area and was previously arrested in a case of abetment to suicide of a religious leader. He had earlier drawn attention due to several controversies. (With agency inputs)