One of the accused in the killing of prominent Bihar businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead in a police encounter in Patna’s Malsalami area late on Monday night. The accused, identified as Vikas, allegedly accompanied the main shooter, Umesh, during the fatal attack on Khemka outside his home last Friday.
Another suspect, believed to have hired Umesh for the contract killing, has also been detained. Both arrests were made by a joint team of the Special Task Force and Patna Police.
“A detailed investigation is underway, and further information will be shared in due course,” a senior police officer said.
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Gopal Khemka, a well-known businessman who owned Magadh Hospital and multiple petrol pumps, was gunned down while sitting inside his car just outside the gates of his residence. The incident took place late on Friday night in Patna. Notably, Khemka had previously lost his son in Hajipur seven years ago in a separate land dispute-related murder.
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The killing has drawn strong criticism of the Nitish Kumar-led JDU-BJP government. Opposition parties, including the RJD and Congress, have seized the opportunity to attack the administration over Bihar’s deteriorating law and order situation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met with top officials following the incident and urged them to expedite the investigation. He also warned of strict action in case of any lapses, reiterating that “rule of law is the government’s top priority.”
