Ex-Panchayat Chief Shot Dead in Karnataka, CCTV Captures Attack

A former Gram Panchayat president and contractor identified as D’Souza was shot dead at point-blank range outside St. Francis Xavier Church in Pilar village on Friday. The attack, which was captured by surveillance cameras installed near the scene, prompted an overnight police operation. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the motive and identify everyone involved in the killing.

According to preliminary information, two unidentified men arrived near the church on a motorcycle. CCTV footage reportedly shows one of the attackers walking slowly towards D’Souza while he was standing near his car. As D’Souza opened the vehicle’s door, the gunman approached him from behind, aimed the firearm towards his head and opened fire before fleeing the scene with his accomplice.

D’Souza suffered critical injuries in the shooting and collapsed near his vehicle. Local residents rushed to help him and arranged for his immediate transportation to a hospital. However, he died from his injuries before reaching the medical facility. Police officers subsequently reached the location, secured the area and began examining surveillance recordings and other evidence connected to the attack.

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Using the CCTV footage, Udupi police reportedly traced the suspected attackers at around 1.45 am. Police said the suspects allegedly attempted to open fire on the team sent to apprehend them. Inspector Tejaswi reportedly responded by firing at the leg of one of the suspects, identified as Raj, an alleged sharpshooter from Uttar Pradesh. Raj was arrested following the encounter.

The injured suspect was shifted to Manipal Hospital for treatment and remained under police supervision. Two other suspects reportedly escaped during the operation, prompting authorities to launch a search across the surrounding areas. Police teams are examining possible escape routes and additional CCTV footage as they work to trace the fugitives and determine their individual roles in the alleged conspiracy.

The exact reason for D’Souza’s killing remains unknown, and investigators have not publicly identified any possible dispute or conflict connected to the crime. Police are expected to question Raj after he is medically cleared, along with D’Souza’s relatives, business associates and potential witnesses. Officials have not released further information about the suspected weapon or whether the attack was a targeted contract killing.

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