Patna, July 5 — Senior BJP leader and prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his residence in Patna late Friday night, triggering widespread shock and raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar.
The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. near the Panache Hotel in the Gandhi Maidan police station area, as Khemka was returning home to his residence in the Twin Tower Society. According to initial reports, the assailant fled the scene immediately after firing the fatal shot. Khemka died on the spot.
Tragically, this is the second major loss the family has suffered. In December 2018, Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, was shot dead in Hajipur while en route to his paper mill in the industrial area. He was reportedly shot four times.
Police Begin Investigation
Patna Superintendent of Police, Diksha, confirmed the incident and shared preliminary findings with the media. “On the night of July 4, at around 11 p.m., we received information that businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka had been shot in the Gandhi Maidan area. The crime scene has been secured. One bullet and one shell casing have been recovered. The matter is under thorough investigation,” she told ANI.
Authorities have yet to establish a motive behind the killing. No arrests have been made as of Saturday morning.
Family Denies Any Known Threats
Speaking to news agency IANS, Gopal Khemka’s brother, Shankar Khemka, said the family had no knowledge of any disputes or prior threats. “We are not aware of any enmity or warning signs. This has come as a complete shock,” he said.
Political Reactions: BJP Seeks Justice
The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly condemned the killing, with senior leader Ram Kripal Yadav demanding swift justice. “Gopal Khemka was a respected businessman and a dedicated social worker. It is deeply concerning that, according to the family, the police took nearly 90 minutes to arrive at the crime scene. The administration must take this lapse seriously, and the culprits must be identified and punished with the utmost severity,” he said.
He also accused the Opposition of politicizing the issue, asserting that the overall law and order in the state remains under control.
Opposition Slams Nitish Kumar’s Government
Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, visited the crime scene and launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government. Recalling the unsolved murder of Gunjan Khemka in 2018, Yadav said: “Seven years ago, I promised Gopal Khemka that justice would be delivered for his son’s murder. Had the government acted decisively back then, this tragedy could have been avoided.”
He described the incident as a symptom of a larger crisis, stating, “Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals. In this ‘maha-gundaraj’, no one is safe. Nitish ji, please spare Bihar.”
Next Steps
As the investigation continues, the murder of Gopal Khemka has reignited debate over public safety and policing in Bihar. With political temperatures rising and local elections on the horizon, the incident is expected to remain a major flashpoint in the days ahead.
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