Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Jul 5: In a chilling incident that has shaken Bihar’s political and business circles, prominent businessman and BJP functionary Gopal Khemka was shot dead near his residence in Patna late Friday night. The attack occurred near Ramgulam Chowk under the Gandhi Maidan police station limits, as Khemka was stepping out of his car. He was shot at close range by an unidentified bike-borne assailant and succumbed to his injuries before he could receive medical attention at a nearby private hospital.

Responding to the gravity of the crime, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar assured the public that justice will be served swiftly. “This is a deeply tragic incident,” he told reporters, adding, “The Patna Police and the Special Task Force (STF) are fully engaged, and an arrest is expected soon.”

Khemka, a respected figure in Patna’s business community, owned Magadh Hospital, multiple petrol pumps, and was a director at the Bankipore Club. His untimely death has sparked outrage and fear across the city.

The DGP confirmed that CCTV footage is being reviewed and several leads are being pursued. “One person can be seen fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. We are scanning all nearby surveillance footage to map out the escape route and collect further evidence,” Kumar said.

While the motive remains under investigation, police are examining all possibilities — including business rivalry and personal enmity. “So far, there is no record of any recent threat alert or complaint filed by Khemka, which could explain why he was without a security detail,” the DGP noted.

He also revealed that Khemka had voluntarily relinquished his government security cover about a year ago. “He was provided security on a paid basis for several years. However, during the last election cycle, that arrangement lapsed and was never reinstated,” Kumar explained.
In light of the murder, two personal security guards have now been assigned to Khemka’s son. “Given the sensitivity of the case and the family’s security needs, immediate steps have been taken,” said the DGP.

Kumar also recalled the family’s earlier tragedy — the 2018 murder of Khemka’s son in Hajipur. “We filed a case and chargesheeted four individuals within a year. This second blow to the family strengthens our resolve to ensure justice without delay,” he said.

While no arrests have been made as of yet, senior police officials confirmed that the investigation has reached an advanced stage. Inputs are being gathered from family members, business associates, and other sources to determine whether any prior warning signs were overlooked.

“We are deeply analyzing what led to this crime. There is a strong sense of urgency, and we are confident that the case will be cracked soon,” DGP Vinay Kumar reiterated.