GG News Bureau
Patna, 8th July: One of the accused in the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead in a police encounter in Patna’s Malsalami area late last night. The accused, Vikas, was allegedly accompanying the shooter, Umesh, at the time of the murder.
Khemka, a well-known figure in Bihar’s business circles and owner of Magadh Hospital and several petrol pumps, was gunned down outside his residence on Friday night while sitting inside his car. The shooter approached the vehicle, fired at close range, and fled the scene.
Police arrested Umesh, the main accused, soon after the incident. Vikas, his alleged accomplice, was tracked down and killed during a late-night encounter. Another suspect, believed to have hired the shooter, has also been detained. So far, two people have been taken into custody in connection with the high-profile killing.
“Both persons have been held in Patna by a joint team of the Special Task Force and Patna Police. The investigation is in progress. We will be able to divulge more details in due course,” a senior police officer said.
This is not the first tragedy for the Khemka family. Seven years ago, Mr Khemka’s son was murdered in Hajipur over a land dispute.
The killing has triggered a political storm in Bihar, with the Opposition—RJD and Congress—slamming the Nitish Kumar-led JDU-BJP government over deteriorating law and order. With the state gearing up for Assembly polls later this year, the incident has cast a shadow over the ruling alliance’s governance record.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has taken note of the matter and held high-level meetings with top officials. He has directed police to expedite the investigation and ensure swift justice. “The rule of law is the government’s top priority. Any negligence will invite strict action,” he warned.
