Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Aug 9: Congress leader David D’Souza, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants, was laid to rest at Pilar Church in Mudrangadi on Sunday, as hundreds of people gathered to pay their final respects.
Meanwhile, police have intensified the investigation, with teams sent to other States and two accused set to be taken into police custody for further interrogation.
The mortal remains, which had been kept at Manipal, were brought to Rajeev Bhavan in Kaup, where Congress leaders and workers gathered to pay their last respects. The body was then taken in a procession by vehicle through Katapady and Shirva to the Mudrangadi Gram Panchayat office, Pilar Kunjigudde Colony and subsequently to his residence.
The mortal remains were later kept at Pilar Church for public viewing. A large number of people gathered at the church to pay their final respects to David D’Souza. Following the final religious rites at the church, his last rites were performed.
Mudrangadi observes bandh
In view of David D’Souza’s funeral, Mudrangadi town observed a complete bandh from Sunday morning. Shops and other commercial establishments remained closed, while autorickshaws and tempo services were also suspended.
MLC Ivan D’Souza, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, members of David D’Souza’s family, well-wishers and a large number of Congress workers attended the funeral.
Speaking on the occasion, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said three persons had already been arrested in connection with David D’Souza’s murder and that police had intensified the investigation. He said there were also suspicions of the involvement of local persons in the case and that comprehensive information would be available shortly.
MLC Ivan D’Souza said David D’Souza had been his close friend. Besides being involved in business, David had also been engaged in social service and had earned the respect of people belonging to all religions.
“David’s death is an irreparable loss to the Congress party,” he said.
Coastal Development Authority chairman M A Gafoor, Congress district president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor and others were present.
Police teams sent to other States
Meanwhile, Udupi superintendent of police Hariram Shankar said police had sent teams to other States as part of the investigation and were also pursuing technical leads.
He said two accused persons would be taken into police custody on Monday for further interrogation. Police teams are working on technical leads as part of efforts to make further progress in the case.
SP Shankar also dismissed speculation surrounding the investigation, making it clear that the other rumours being circulated were not true.
The latest police update comes amid heightened attention on the murder case, with investigators continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding David D’Souza’s killing and the possible involvement of local persons.