By :- Shruti Tiwari
In a chilling reminder of Bihar’s deteriorating law and order situation, prominent industrialist Gopal Khemka was shot dead late Friday night outside his residence in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan area. Khemka, once the owner of the reputed Magadh Hospital and a well-known business figure in the state, was attacked while returning from Patna Club.
The murder comes nearly six years after his son, Gunjan Khemka, was similarly gunned down in Hajipur, raising serious questions about public safety and the effectiveness of policing in the state.
Incident Details
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Hotel Panache, just steps away from the entrance of Khemka’s residential apartment.
As Khemka exited his vehicle, two unidentified assailants—believed to be on a motorcycle—opened fire at close range, shooting him in the head. He was rushed to a private hospital by family members but was declared dead on arrival.
Delayed Police Response Draws Outrage
The victim’s family alleged that the police arrived on the scene more than 90 minutes after the incident, despite immediate calls for help. Senior officials, including City SP (Central) Diksha, reportedly reached the site two hours later, intensifying anger among relatives and citizens.
“If a renowned businessman can be killed just steps away from his home, in a posh locality so close to a police station, then no one in this city is safe,” said Santosh Khemka, the victim’s younger brother.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav reached the crime scene ahead of law enforcement and condemned the government’s failure to protect its citizens.
“This family lost their son in 2018 and now the father has been murdered in cold blood. Is there any value left in human life in Bihar?” he said while speaking to the media.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the Nitish Kumar-led government, with opposition leaders calling for urgent reforms and accountability within Bihar Police.
Investigation Underway
City SP Diksha confirmed that CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being scanned and forensic evidence, including spent cartridges and bullet casings, has been collected. The gunmen are suspected to have fled on a two-wheeler.
“We are examining all possible motives, including business disputes and targeted killing. No angle is being ruled out,” said the SP.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expected to be formed within 48 hours.
A Tragic Pattern: Son Also Murdered in 2018
This is not the first tragedy to hit the Khemka family. On December 20, 2018, Gunjan Khemka, son of Gopal Khemka, was shot dead in Hajipur’s industrial area. Despite high-profile attention, that case remains unsolved, and now, six years later, the family is mourning another loss under eerily similar circumstances.
Who Was Gopal Khemka?
- Former owner of Magadh Hospital, one of Patna’s leading private medical institutions.
- A respected figure in Bihar’s business circles with interests in textiles, real estate, and healthcare.
- Known for philanthropy and aligned ideologically with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Played an active role in community welfare and was part of multiple trade associations.
Security Concerns in High-Risk Zone
The murder occurred in a high-security zone, less than 300 meters from a police station and near residences of several senior government officials. The brazen nature of the killing has shaken confidence in Bihar’s internal security framework.
What’s Next?
- Postmortem to be conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
- Funeral arrangements pending as family demands swift justice.
- State government under pressure to fast-track investigations and review police protocols.
- Public Demands Justice
- With public outrage mounting, the pressure is now on Bihar Police to deliver swift justice in a case that has not only claimed a prominent life but also highlighted systemic failures in law enforcement and governance.