Kundapur, Karnataka: A 45-year-old businessman was shot dead in what police believe was a targeted attack near Koteshwara in Karnataka’s Udupi district on Thursday.
The shocking incident took place around 3:35 PM near the National Highway, and raised panic in the city and triggered a wide-ranging police operation to respond.
The deceased is Ivan D'Souza, a businessman from Balkur village in Kundapur taluk. The preliminary evidence is that Ivan was travelling in his car when unknown assailants intercepted him and opened fire. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and died on the spot before medical assistance could arrive.
The attackers fled the scene in a matter of seconds and the crowd was shocked, police officials said. The motive for the attack is not clear: investigators believe it was a pre-planned and targeted murder and not just a random attack.
Following the incident, senior police officers, including Udupi Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K., rushed to the crime scene along with forensic experts.
The area was immediately cordoned off and evidence was collected for investigation. Police also recovered bullet shells from the scene and they will be sent for forensic examination.
According to local reports, Ivan D’Souza had recently been involved in several business activities in the area. Police are investigating whether business rivalry, personal enmity, or other criminal reasons could have motivated the killing, but officials have not yet confirmed any specific angle at this stage.
Police investigators have started to look at CCTV footage from nearby shops and highway surveillance cameras to find out who the suspects are.
Police teams are searching for witnesses and people who have seen the attack or been in contact with the victim.
The incident caused traffic to be delayed on the National Highway for a short time as police secured the area and conducted preliminary investigations.
Residents gathered near the scene of the brazen daylight killing and expressed shock that this has happened.
Police have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation. They have asked anyone with information related to the suspects or suspicious movements in the area before the shooting to come forward.
The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination and a case of murder has been registered. All possible angles are being investigated and those responsible will be brought to justice.
The daylight murder has once again raised concerns about public safety and law and order in the region. Police will release more details once forensic findings and witness statements are collected, as the investigation continues.
