Patna: In a chilling repeat of a past tragedy, BJP leader and well-known businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead late Friday night near his residence in Patna. The owner of the reputed Magadh Hospital was attacked by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle as he returned home around 11 PM.
Khemka was just stepping out of his car near the Twin Tower residential complex, adjacent to the Panache Hotel in the upscale Gandhi Maidan locality, when he was shot at point-blank range. The attackers fled the scene immediately after opening fire. Shockingly, this incident echoes the murder of his son, Gunjan Khemka, who was killed in a similar way six years ago.
City SP (Central), Diksha, confirmed the killing: “On the night of 4 July, around 11 PM, we received information from the Gandhi Maidan South area that businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead. As soon as the information was received, the police reached the hospital and the crime scene. The area has been cordoned off, and an investigation is underway. CCTV footage is being examined. Further action will be taken.”
Police teams are now scanning nearby CCTV footage and questioning potential witnesses, but the motive behind the attack remains unknown. As of now, no arrests have been made.
The murder has triggered political outcry and renewed criticism of the law and order situation in Bihar. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan), visited the crime scene soon after the incident and condemned the Nitish Kumar-led government for its failure to curb violence. “Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar,” Yadav posted on X.
Recalling the previous tragedy, he added: “Seven years ago, Gopal Khemka ji’s son Gunjan Khemka was murdered, and I had gone to assure them of justice. If the government at that time had not become a partner to the criminals and had taken strict action against them, Gopal Khemka ji would not have been murdered today! As soon as I got the news, I reached there. But in this cruel mega-thug regime, no one is safe, Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar.”
In another post, he reiterated, “If the government had taken strict action when Gunjan was killed, Gopal Khemka would not have been murdered today.”
Also Read: PM Modi Honoured with Trinidad and Tobago’s Highest Civilian Award