Suspect in Patna Businessman’s Murder Apprehended at Funeral
Patna: In a significant development in the investigation into the murder of prominent Patna businessman Gopal Khemka, Bihar Police detained a suspect on Sunday. The individual was apprehended while attending Khemka’s funeral, marking a breakthrough in the high-profile case that has sent shockwaves through the state capital.
Gopal Khemka, a well-known industrialist and owner of Magadh Hospital, was fatally shot by a bike-borne assailant near his residence in the upscale Gandhi Maidan area on the night of July 4, 2025. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred around 11:40 PM as Khemka was about to exit his vehicle near the Twin Tower residential complex, close to Hotel Panache. The chilling footage shows the suspect approaching Khemka’s car, opening fire, and fleeing the scene on a two-wheeler.
The murder bears striking similarities to the 2018 killing of Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, who was also gunned down by a bike-borne attacker in Hajipur. The police are exploring possible connections between the two cases, with sources indicating that the motive may be linked to a land dispute involving jailed gangster Ajay Verma. Authorities conducted a raid at Beur Jail, where Verma is incarcerated, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Patna Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by SP City Central Diksha, to probe the murder. The team is meticulously analyzing CCTV footage and other forensic evidence, including a bullet and shell casing recovered from the crime scene. “We are investigating all angles to uncover the motive and ensure justice,” SP Diksha told.
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The detention of the suspect at Khemka’s funeral has raised hopes of a swift resolution, though police have not disclosed the individual’s identity or specific details about their alleged involvement. The case has sparked widespread outrage and political criticism, with opposition leaders, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, slamming the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government for its handling of law and order in Bihar.
Gaurav Khemka, the victim’s younger son, filed an FIR against an unknown assailant and requested police protection for his family, citing fears for their safety following the tragic loss of both his father and brother. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances behind this brazen crime in the heart of Patna.