Patna – The political and business community of Bihar was left stunned on Friday evening when BJP Leader Gopal Khemka was gunned down by an unidentified assailant outside his residence in Patna. The brutal murder of the prominent businessman has sent shockwaves through the state, particularly as it bears striking similarities to the killing of his son six years ago.
The Fatal Attack
BJP Leader Gopal Khemka was murdered in a meticulously planned attack that took place around 11 PM on Friday in the southern part of the Gandhi Maidan area. The incident occurred when the businessman had just returned to his Ramgulam Chowk home from the Bankipur Club, following what appeared to be a routine evening.
According to police sources, BJP Leader Gopal Khemka had barely alighted from his vehicle when the fatal attack commenced. “As soon as he alighted from his vehicle, an assailant fired at him from point-blank range and the bike-borne assailant managed to flee,” a police officer revealed. The proximity of the attack suggests that the perpetrator had been waiting for the right moment to strike.
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The swift execution of the crime allowed the bike-borne assailant to escape before any intervention could occur. BJP Leader Gopal Khemka was immediately rushed to a private hospital, but medical professionals declared him brought dead, indicating the severity of his injuries.
Police Investigation and Response
The murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka has prompted a massive police response, with multiple agencies now involved in the investigation. Bihar’s Director General of Police (DGP) Binay Kumar has directed both the Special Task Force (STF) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assist Patna police in their investigation.
City Superintendent of Police (SP) provided crucial details about the attack on BJP Leader Gopal Khemka, stating that “multiple rounds of bullets of 9mm bore were fired when the victims were still inside the car.” This information suggests that the attack was not a random act of violence but a carefully planned assassination.
The police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka. “Raids are being conducted to nab the killer. The reason behind the murder is not clear,” the SP confirmed, indicating that authorities are working around the clock to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Tragic Family History
The murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka becomes even more tragic when viewed in the context of his family’s history with violent crime. His son, Gunjan Khemka, was murdered in a strikingly similar manner on December 20, 2018, creating a devastating pattern of violence against the family.
Gunjan, who was the proprietor of G K Cotton Mill, was shot dead by a bike-borne assailant near his factory gate in the Hajipur Industrial Estate area in Bihar’s Vaishali district. The similarities between the two murders – both involving bike-borne attackers and point-blank range shootings – suggest a possible connection that investigators will need to explore.
The death of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka represents the second major tragedy to strike the family in less than a decade, raising questions about whether the attacks are linked or if the family has been specifically targeted by criminal elements.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, particularly regarding the law and order situation in Bihar. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan), visited the murder spot and launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government.
“Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar,” Yadav wrote on social media, directly linking the murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka to broader governance failures in the state. His criticism suggests that the political opposition views this incident as symptomatic of larger security concerns in Bihar.
Yadav’s comments about the murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka also referenced the earlier killing of his son, arguing that stronger government action at that time could have prevented the current tragedy. “If the government had taken strict action when Gunjan was killed, Gopal Khemka would not have been murdered today,” he stated.
The Pattern of Violence
The murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka follows a disturbing pattern that began with his son’s death in 2018. Both incidents involved bike-borne assailants, suggesting either the same perpetrators or a consistent modus operandi among criminal networks operating in the region.
The fact that BJP Leader Gopal Khemka survived his son’s murder only to face a similar fate six years later raises questions about whether he had received adequate protection or if there were ongoing threats against the family that were not properly addressed.
Business and Political Profile
BJP Leader Gopal Khemka was known for his dual role as both a successful businessman and an active political figure in Bihar. His prominence in both spheres may have made him a target for various criminal or political motivations, though investigators have not yet determined the specific motive behind his murder.
The business interests of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka and his family, including the G K Cotton Mill operated by his late son, represented significant economic assets that could have attracted criminal attention. However, his political affiliations with the BJP also cannot be ruled out as a potential factor in the targeting.
Law and Order Concerns
The murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka has reignited debates about the state of law and order in Bihar. The ability of criminals to carry out such brazen attacks, particularly against prominent political and business figures, raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
The incident involving BJP Leader Gopal Khemka occurred in a relatively central area of Patna, suggesting that even well-known localities are not immune to such violent crimes. This has implications for the broader security of public figures and business leaders in the state.
Investigation Challenges
The murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka presents several challenges for investigators. The quick escape of the bike-borne assailant suggests professional execution, while the similarities to his son’s murder may provide leads but also complicate the investigation timeline.
Authorities investigating the murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka will need to examine both recent threats and connections to his son’s unsolved case. The involvement of multiple police agencies indicates the seriousness with which the case is being treated.
Closing Statements
The tragic murder of BJP Leader Gopal Khemka represents not just the loss of a prominent figure but also highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining law and order in Bihar. As investigations continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced security measures and more effective criminal justice responses to protect public figures and their families from such devastating attacks.
