Prominent Businessman Gopal Khemka Shot Dead in Patna, Bihar

Tragic Incident in Patna

In a shocking incident in Patna, Bihar, an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle fatally shot prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. This tragic event echoes a similar fate that befell his son, Gunjan Khemka, seven years ago. Khemka, who owned one of the state's oldest private hospitals, Magadh Hospital, was attacked late Friday night as he exited his car near his residence at the upscale Gandhi Maidan area.

CCTV footage captured at the main entrance around 11:39 PM shows a man in a blue shirt waiting outside, frequently glancing over his shoulder. Shortly after, a maroon car arrives, followed by a white vehicle. As the maroon car halts at the entrance, the man rushes towards it and opens fire on Gopal Khemka, who was seated in the driver's seat. The assailant then fled the scene on his motorcycle.

Khemka's brother, Shankar, criticized the police for their delayed response, claiming they arrived at the crime scene nearly three hours after the shooting. According to him, his brother, who was also a director at the Bankipur Club, was returning home when the attack occurred. Shankar stated that the police did not reach the location until around 2:30 AM. With the assembly elections approaching, this incident has sparked political outrage, with MP Pappu Yadav questioning the governance claims of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yadav visited the site to offer condolences to the family.

"What will Khemka's family think? This incident happened late at night. Is there any semblance of government here?" - Manoj Jha, RJD MP

In response to Khemka's murder, RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed concern over the implications for Khemka's family, questioning the existence of governance in the state. He remarked that the perpetrators seem to believe they are above the law, acting with impunity. Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra echoed these sentiments, stating that Bihar is under the grip of lawlessness, where criminals operate freely while law enforcement appears ineffective. He criticized the Nitish Kumar and BJP government for failing to ensure the safety of citizens, highlighting the frequency of such violent incidents.