Karnataka: Former Gram Panchayat President shot dead in Udupi

Udupi: Prominent businessman and former president of the Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat, David D’Souza, popularly known as David Dalia, was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle‑borne assailants in Udupi district in Karnataka on Friday, police said.

The incident took place in front of St. Francis Xavier Church at Mudarangadi in Pillar village, sending shockwaves across the locality.

According to preliminary information, two unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at D’Souza before fleeing the spot. The attack created panic among residents, who rushed to the scene and shifted the critically injured businessman to a nearby hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries on the way, doctors said.

D’Souza was a well‑known figure in the Shirva region. Besides serving as the president of the Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat in the past, he was also a successful entrepreneur and operated multiple businesses, including an earthmoving and excavation enterprise. His death has left residents and the local business community in shock.

Police personnel from the Shirva and Padubidri police stations reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and cordoned off the area. Senior police officials also visited the crime scene to supervise the investigation.

The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) team and a dog squad conducted a detailed examination of the area to collect forensic evidence and other clues that could help identify the assailants.

Investigators have launched a search to trace the two suspects who fled immediately after the shooting. Police are also examining CCTV footage from nearby locations and questioning witnesses as part of the investigation.

The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and officials have not ruled out any angle, including personal or business rivalry. Police said further investigation is underway, and additional details are expected as the probe progresses.

It can be recalled that 45‑year‑old Ivan Richard Mascarenhas was shot dead in a financial dispute on Church Road in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district on July 31, 2026. The prime accused, Derrick Crasta, was arrested by a special police team.

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