Local Congress leader and contractor David D'Souza shot dead in Udupi

Udupi: A local Congress party official and contractor was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in this district on Friday afternoon, police said.

The victim has been identified as David D'Souza, a former president of the Mudarangadi Village Panchayat who also operated a local bar and a public transport firm, according to authorities.

The shooting took place at Padubidri in Udupi district.

D'Souza had previously served a prison sentence after being convicted in connection with the suicide of Rev Fr Mahesh, an assistant priest at a local church, sources confirmed.

According to police sources, two attackers arrived in a vehicle and fired upon D'Souza, inflicting critical gunshot wounds. Although bystanders and local authorities quickly transported him to a nearby hospital, he died from his injuries en route.

Police stated that a multi-angle investigation is currently underway to determine the motive behind the killing, with officers examining potential personal and commercial rivalries.

PTI