Businessman and BJP Leader Gopal Khemka Shot Dead Outside Pa

In a shocking incident that has once again raised serious concerns over law and order in Bihar, Gopal Khemka, a prominent businessman and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, was gunned down outside his residence in Patna late on Friday night. The incident occurred near the upscale Hotel Panache, situated in the Gandhi Maidan area, under the jurisdiction of the local police station. According to police reports, Mr Khemka was walking towards his home in Twin Tower Society, located adjacent to the hotel, when he was shot by unidentified assailants who immediately fled the scene. Police confirmed that Mr Khemka died on the spot. A bullet and an empty shell casing were recovered from the site of the crime. Authorities rushed to cordon off the area and have since launched an investigation.

“On the night of 4 July, around 11pm, we received information from the Gandhi Maidan South area that businessman Gopal Khemka had been shot dead. The police immediately reached both the hospital and the crime scene. CCTV footage is being analysed, and further action will follow,” said City SP Central Diksha.

The motive behind the murder remains unknown, and investigators are yet to make any arrests. The incident has sent shockwaves through Patna’s business and political circles, particularly as it comes just three years after Mr Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, was also murdered under suspicious circumstances. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan), visited the site soon after the shooting and sharply criticised the Nitish Kumar-led government, accusing it of failing to maintain basic law and order in the state.

“Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar,” Mr Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter). He added that the current tragedy might have been avoided had the state acted decisively in the previous murder case involving Mr Khemka’s son. As police intensify their investigation, the brazen killing of a high-profile figure in the heart of the capital has reignited a fierce political debate on governance and the safety of citizens in Bihar.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies