Renowned businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead by masked assailants outside his home in Patna while he was stepping out of his car late on Friday night. This alarming event unfolded in the vicinity of Gandhi Maidan. In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a law and order review meeting, urging rapid investigation.
Khemka was affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and his broad business reach has intensified the shock of his doorstep assassination. His family claims police arrived an hour late to the scene, raising concerns about their promptness. DGP Vinay Kumar reassured that a special task force, including top officers, has been formed to oversee the investigation.
A behind-the-scenes look indicates potential old rivalries at play. The DGP confirmed police uncovered several significant leads tied to both the murderer and potential accomplices. In 2018, Khemka's son was also killed over a land dispute, following which Khemka had been under police protection until April 2024.
Philosophically speaking, the security of Khemka's surviving son, who is a doctor, and other family members is now under heightened police protection. Investigations at Beur Jail in Patna have led to questioning suspects in custody. Police recovered several mobile phones with SIM cards and paper notes listing contacts during their search.
Reacting to the atrocious murder, Ashish Shankar, vice president of Bihar Chamber of Commerce, expressed serious concern over whether the state's law enforcement efficiency is being called into question. Despite its proximity, it took police several hours to arrive at the crime scene near Gandhi Maidan police station.
Central Minister Chirag Paswan condemned the incident in strong terms, highlighting a need for a more acute government response. Paswan insisted the perpetrators be brought decisively to justice. He demanded a clear understanding of how such an event could transpire so close to a police facility.
Following the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha met Khemka's grieving family. He urged systemic measures against those challenging law and order and vowed severe actions, including encounters where necessary. The government assures that the assailants have been identified and will be apprehended soon.
Families raised suspicions regarding police delays, contending officers arrived nearly two hours later. However, DGP Vinay Kumar refuted such claims, explaining information reached them at 12:30 AM, an hour post Khemka's shooting at 11:40 PM. En route to a private hospital in Kankarbagh, the family faced delays due to emergency care.
