Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 4: The Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) has been invoked in the murder case of Prince Enterprises owner David D’Souza, who was shot dead at St Xavier’s Church complex in Mudarangady, Kaup taluk, on August 7. Following permission from the deputy inspector general of police, western range, Mangaluru, the case has been transferred to the principal district and sessions court and special KCOCA court in Mysuru for further proceedings.
According to a police press release, the incident occurred at around 3.45 pm when an assailant travelling as a pillion rider on a motorcycle allegedly shot David D’Souza in the head with a pistol. A murder case was subsequently registered at the Shirva police station.
During the investigation, police received credible information that three accused directly involved in the murder were travelling towards Bhatkal by bus. A police team intercepted the bus at Ottinane in Byndoor taluk. When the suspects attempted to flee, police chased them. During the operation, one of the accused allegedly pushed a Kaup police station PSI and opened fire at the police with a pistol while attempting to escape. In self-defence, police fired at his leg and apprehended him along with the pistol. The accused, identified as Raju, is allegedly the person who fired the fatal shot at David D’Souza. A separate case has been registered against him at the Byndoor police station for attempted murder and obstructing police personnel from discharging their duties.
Police have arrested 10 accused in connection with the murder. They are Raju alias Faji alias Subhodh alias Raju Hetram Jatav (42) from Uttar Pradesh, Anmol Rastogi (23) from Uttarakhand, Jiahul Wajul Sheikh alias Deepak (38) from Bihar, Chirag Poojary (24) from Ermal, Mohammed Irshad (46) from Ermal, Sadananda Devadiga (41) from Ermal, Kishore Rama Poojary (47) from Admar village in Kaup taluk, Suraj Kumar (31) from Bihar, Lokesh Teja Kothari (42) from Yadtare village in Byndoor taluk, and Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel (36) from Bihar. The 11th accused, H P alias Hemanth Poojary, is absconding.
During the investigation, police reportedly found that the accused had allegedly acted in association with underworld operative Hemanth Poojary, Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel and Kishore Poojary as part of an organised criminal network. In view of these findings, the investigating officer, through the Udupi superintendent of police, sought permission to invoke the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) in the case.
The deputy inspector general of police, western range, Mangaluru, subsequently granted permission to conduct the investigation under KCOCA against underworld operative Hemanth Poojary, Anuj Kumar Kamaleshwar Prasad Patel and their associates. Following the approval, the accused and the entire case records were transferred to the principal district and sessions court and special KCOCA court in Mysuru.
All the arrested accused are currently in judicial custody as per court orders. The assistant superintendent of police, Karkala sub-division, has been appointed as the investigating officer for further investigation.