Prashant Kishor Critiques Bihar's Law and Order Following Businessman's Murder

The recent murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has sparked significant criticism from Prashant Kishor, who claims that the current law and order situation in Bihar mirrors the chaos of previous administrations. Kishor's remarks come in light of ongoing violence in the state, with recent shootings highlighting a troubling trend. Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister has assured that investigations are underway, and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to address the issue. This incident has prompted a review of the state's governance and accountability measures for officials. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains anxious about safety and justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2025, 16:37 IST

Criticism of Bihar's Governance

In response to the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka, Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party, expressed that there is no distinction between the governance of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. He stated that during Yadav's rule, criminals wreaked havoc, while under Kumar, officials are the ones causing chaos. Kishor accused the current administration of maintaining the same level of corruption and lawlessness that existed previously. He highlighted the shocking incident of a prominent businessman being shot dead in Patna without any immediate action taken.

Ongoing Violence in Bihar

Kishor pointed out that just the day before, three individuals were shot in Siwan, indicating that such violence has become a daily occurrence. He criticized the current regime for allowing officials to operate unchecked. In contrast, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary assured that the police are actively investigating the case and that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to ensure prompt action against the perpetrators.

Government's Response to the Incident

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha described the situation as tragic and unfortunate. He remarked that those labeling it as 'Maha Jungle Raj' are attempting to introduce 'Gunda Raj' in the state. Sinha emphasized that the government is focusing on holding accountable those officials who thrived during the previous 'jungle raj' and failed to take decisive action. He mentioned that measures such as bulldozer actions, encounters, and property seizures will be implemented, and discussions regarding compensation for the victim's family will be held with the Chief Minister.

Details of the Murder

Gopal Khemka was shot by an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle near his residence in Patna, as confirmed by police on Saturday. The incident occurred around 11:40 PM on Friday in the Gandhi Maidan area. Police Superintendent Diksha reported that local officers and patrolling police arrived promptly at the scene, and forensic experts are currently gathering evidence. The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, and initial findings suggest that Khemka was targeted by a motorcycle-riding assailant. Family members revealed that Khemka's son was also murdered six years ago in Hajipur. Following the incident, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a meeting to assess the law and order situation in the state, which included discussions about Khemka's murder with senior police officials.