Published Aug 07, 2026 | 9:14 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2026 | 9:14 PM
D’Souza, a former president of the Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat, was shot at close range and died from his injuries. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Congress leader and contractor David D’Souza was shot dead by two unidentified assailants at Mudarangadi village in Karnataka’s Udupi district on Friday, 7 August. Police said preliminary investigation points to earlier financial disputes as the likely motive and that CCTV footage, forensic evidence and other technical leads are being examined to trace the assailants. The killing comes days after businessman Ivan Richard Mascarenhas was shot dead in Kundapur.
Contractor and Congress leader David D’Souza was shot dead by two unidentified assailants at Mudarangadi village under the Shirva police station limits in Karnataka’s Udupi district on Friday, 7 August.
D’Souza, a former president of the Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat, was shot at close range and died from his injuries. The assailants fled immediately after the attack.
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, who inspected the crime scene, said the preliminary investigation indicates that earlier financial disputes are the likely motive behind the killing.
He said the attackers have not yet been identified and that investigators are analysing CCTV footage, forensic material and other scientific evidence collected from the scene. He added D’Souza had 14 criminal cases registered against him, including an abetment to suicide case filed in 2020.
The killing comes days after businessman Ivan Richard Mascarenhas was shot dead in Kundapur in Udupi district. Police had earlier said that the killing stemmed from a suspected financial dispute and had formed special teams to trace those responsible.
With two fatal shootings reported in the district within a week, investigators are examining whether the two incidents have any common elements. Police have not established any connection between the cases.
Also Read: Renukaswamy murder case: Two more accused seek approver status
