Patna: In a shocking incident caught on CCTV, prominent BJP leader and businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his home near Hotel Panache in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan area on Friday night. The brazen killing has triggered outrage and raised serious questions about law and order in Bihar.
The Murder Caught on Camera
The chilling CCTV footage shows a man in a blue shirt and black helmet waiting outside Mr Khemka’s residence. As two vehicles arrive at the entrance—one driven by Mr Khemka himself and the second carrying a man and a woman—the assailant suddenly runs up to Mr Khemka’s car and fires a shot at close range. He then escapes on a bike, disappearing before anyone can react.
When the security guard opened the gate moments later, Mr Khemka was seen slumped over the steering wheel, unresponsive. The people from the second vehicle exited in shock, unable to comprehend the sudden act of violence. Mr Khemka was declared dead on the spot, officials confirmed.
Police Response and Investigation
Police recovered a bullet and a shell casing from the crime scene. According to City SP Central, Diksha, the incident occurred around 11 PM on July 4, prompting immediate deployment of officers to the site and to the hospital.
“We are thoroughly examining the CCTV footage and have cordoned off the area. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to fast-track the investigation,” she said.
The motive behind the murder remains unclear, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a targeted attack.
A Tragic Pattern
The tragedy comes just three years after Mr Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, was also murdered under mysterious circumstances. The family, well-known in Bihar’s business and political circles, had reportedly received threats in the past.
Political Outrage
The killing has sparked widespread condemnation. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan), visited the site late Friday night and lashed out at the Nitish Kumar-led government.
“No one is safe in Bihar. The state has become a haven for criminals,” he posted on X, demanding immediate action and justice.
As Bihar reels from yet another high-profile crime, public pressure is mounting on law enforcement to deliver swift justice and restore faith in the system.
