Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Aug 7: In a shocking development, prominent businessman and former president of Mudarangadi gram panchayat, David D'Souza, also known as David Dalia, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on the afternoon of Friday, August 7.
The brazen attack occurred in front of St Francis Xavier Church in Mudarangadi, Pillar village, under the jurisdiction of the Mudarangadi gram panchayat.
According to reports, two unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at D'Souza, and fled the scene immediately after the attack. Local residents rushed the critically injured businessman to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead on the way.
D'Souza was a popular figure in the Shirva area, known for operating multiple ventures, including a successful earthmovers business.
Personnel from the Shirva and Padubidri police stations rushed to the spot and are conducting an active investigation. The scene of crime officer (SOCO) team and the dog squad have also examined the crime scene to gather evidence.
The exact motive behind the shooting is yet to be ascertained. Local authorities are on high alert, and further investigation is underway to track down the fleeing assailants.
Meanwhile, superintendent of police (SP) Hariram Shankar after visiting the crime scene, said, "As per the primary information available, David D'Souza was shot over previous financial disputes. He was shot at close range, and we are investigating the case from all angles. D'Souza had a total of 14 cases registered against him, the most recent being an abetment to suicide case filed in 2020. Two unidentified miscreants committed the crime. CCTV footage and other scientific evidence are being analyzed. A forensic team has visited the spot and collected evidence."