The investigation into the murder of Bihar businessman Gopal Khemka has intensified, with police identifying the shooter and exploring potential links to jail inmates and organized crime. Khemka, a prominent industrialist and owner of Magadh Hospital, was shot dead on Friday night near his apartment in Patna.
Patna Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jitendra Rana stated on Sunday that the shooter has been identified and their escape route is being traced. Authorities are investigating all possible angles, including connections to inmates at Beur jail.
Following the murder, a coordinated raid was conducted at Beur Central Jail, involving personnel from 14 police stations and senior officers. The raid, which lasted for over an hour, aimed to uncover any links between the murder and criminals lodged inside the jail. During the search, police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, and other objectionable items, which are believed to provide crucial clues about the case. Three jail warders have been suspended, and show-cause notices have been issued to the deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent and section-in-charge.
The police are considering the possibility of a contract killing orchestrated from within the prison, potentially stemming from a land dispute. Gangster Ajay Verma, currently lodged in Beur Jail, is a suspect in the case and was questioned during the raid.
Gopal Khemka, 65, was a well-known figure in Bihar's business circles, having established G K Cotton in 1985 and later expanding into fuel retail, healthcare, and real estate. He was returning home from the Bankipore Club when he was shot at close range. Family members rushed him to a private hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The murder bears a resemblance to the 2018 killing of Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, in Vaishali district. Police are also investigating possible connections between the two killings.
In the wake of the murder, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the case. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikey Sharma is heading the team to apprehend the criminals.
The incident has sparked public outrage and political reactions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Bihar government, claiming that the ruling coalition has turned Bihar into the "crime capital of India". Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary have assured a thorough investigation, vowing that no culprit will be spared. Vijay Sinha called the incident "a serious failure of administrative responsibility".
