PATNA, July 5 — Senior BJP leader and prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead late Friday night near Panache Hotel in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan area, in what police described as a targeted killing by unidentified assailants.
Khemka was returning home to the Twin Tower residential complex, located just a short distance from the crime scene, when gunmen opened fire. He died on the spot, officials confirmed.
Patna Police have recovered a bullet and a shell casing from the scene and are currently scanning CCTV footage from surrounding areas. No arrests had been made as of Saturday morning, and investigators say the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
“The matter is being treated with utmost urgency. Special teams have been formed, and we are following all leads,” a senior police officer said on condition of anonymity.
The murder has triggered outrage and renewed scrutiny of Bihar’s law and order situation, especially since this is not the first tragedy to strike the Khemka family. Gopal Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, was also murdered three years ago in another high-profile case that remains unsolved.
Reacting to the killing, Bihar Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathod said the incident “once again exposed the collapse of law and order under the Nitish Kumar government.”
“Murder, rape, extortion, kidnapping — this has become a daily reality in Bihar. The Chief Minister has completely failed to ensure public safety,” Rathod told reporters on Saturday.
While BJP leaders have yet to issue a formal statement, party sources confirmed Khemka was an active figure in Patna’s business and political circles. His killing has left the local community shaken, with calls mounting for swift justice.
As the investigation continues, police presence has been increased in the Gandhi Maidan area and security tightened near Khemka’s residence.
