BJP Leader Gopal Khemka Shot Dead Outside Patna Residence, Echoes Son’s 2018 Killing
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead late Friday night outside his home in Patna’s Ramgulam Chowk area, police said. The murder, executed by an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle, bears a grim resemblance to the 2018 killing of his son, Gunjan Khemka, in a similar attack.
According to officials, Gopal Khemka had just returned from Bankipur Club around 11 p.m. and was stepping out of his vehicle when he was shot at close range. The attacker fled the scene on a bike. Khemka was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared brought dead.
City Superintendent of Police said, “Multiple 9mm rounds were fired, some while the victim was still inside the car. The motive is yet to be established. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and raids are underway to nab the perpetrator.”
Bihar Director General of Police Binay Kumar has directed the Special Task Force (STF) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assist Patna Police in the investigation.
This is the second tragedy to strike the Khemka family. In December 2018, Gunjan Khemka, proprietor of G.K. Cotton Mill, was shot dead by bike-borne assailants outside his factory in Vaishali’s Hajipur Industrial Area.
Political Outrage
The murder has triggered political backlash. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, visited the crime scene and criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration. “Seven years ago, I visited Gopal Khemka after his son Gunjan was murdered. I had promised him justice. If the government had acted decisively then, this tragedy could have been avoided,” Yadav said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar.” The incident has once again raised questions about the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar, particularly the safety of businessmen and public figures.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
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