A key accused in the murder of businessman and local Congress leader David D’Souza was shot in the leg by police after allegedly attacking officers, snatching a service weapon and opening fire while being taken into custody.
The accused, identified as Anuj Patil, 35, was arrested in the Hebri police station limits early Monday. According to police, Patil attacked the personnel while he was being brought after his arrest and allegedly snatched the service weapon belonging to Kollur PSI Vinay.
Patil then allegedly opened fire with the weapon. Kundapur PSI Nanjanayak fired at his leg in self-defence, police said. He was subsequently taken to the Udupi District Government Hospital for treatment.
Police Suspect Contract Killing
According to investigators, Patil allegedly arranged three shooters to carry out the murder of David D’Souza.
D’Souza, the owner of Prince Enterprises and a local Congress leader, was shot dead at around 3:45 pm on August 7 at the St Xavier Church Complex in Mudrangady, Kapu taluk. Police said two men arrived on a motorcycle and the pillion rider allegedly shot D’Souza in the head before fleeing.
Police have so far arrested 10 people in connection with the murder case, including Patil.
Patil Has Criminal Record
Police said Patil had been operating in Mumbai and had been absconding since 2017. A case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has also been registered against him.
According to police, Patil has 11 criminal cases registered against him — four in Maharashtra, five in Gujarat, one in Daman and Diu and one in Karnataka. Ten of these cases were registered under the Arms Act, police said.
The investigation into D’Souza’s murder is continuing, with police probing the alleged contract-killing conspiracy and the roles of other people who may have assisted the accused.
