The investigation into the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna is intensifying, with sources suggesting the involvement of three to four individuals in the crime. Khemka, a well-known industrialist, owner of Magadh Hospital, and leader associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was shot dead on Friday night near his home in the Gandhi Maidan area. The incident occurred as Khemka was returning from the Bankipore Club and stepping out of his car.

CCTV footage has emerged, capturing the chilling moment when a bike-borne assailant opened fire on Khemka at close range before fleeing the scene. Police have secured the crime scene and recovered a bullet and a shell casing. A special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to expedite the investigation, led by the SP City Central. The Special Task Force (STF) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are also assisting.

While the motive behind the murder remains unclear, initial leads point towards a possible property dispute. Police are also examining business rivalries, personal enmities, and past threats as potential angles.

The murder has sparked a political firestorm in Bihar, with opposition leaders criticizing the law and order situation in the state. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged media manipulation to mask the deteriorating security environment, while Purnia MP Pappu Yadav called for a CBI probe into the incident. Political strategist Prashant Kishor has also slammed the Nitish Kumar-led government, stating that there is no difference between the current rule and the "jungle raj" under former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Adding to the tragedy, this is not the first such incident for the Khemka family. In 2018, Gopal Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, also a BJP leader, was murdered in a similar attack near his factory in Hajipur. The unsolved case has raised concerns and prompted comparisons between the two incidents.

The police are facing pressure to swiftly resolve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has held a high-level review meeting on the state's law and order situation, emphasizing the need for strict action against the culprits. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage and questioning potential witnesses.