One of the alleged killers of Gopal Khemka, a prominent industrialist in Bihar, was arrested on Saturday while attending the cremation of the man he is accused of murdering. According to police sources, the accused arrived at the funeral with a flower garland and was taken into custody at the cremation site in Patna’s Gulbi Ghat.
Investigators believe three to four persons conspired to assassinate Khemka, who was gunned down outside his residence in Gandhi Maidan late on July 4. Surveillance footage from the area captured the moment the gunman opened fire as Khemka stepped out of his car at 11.40 pm.
The murder has triggered widespread shock and fear among Bihar’s business community. Khemka, who was reportedly associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, had long been regarded as a key figure in industrial circles.
Sources revealed that the attackers met at a tea stall in Daldali locality before carrying out the crime. One of them proceeded to Khemka’s house shortly thereafter. Police have also found that the principal accused was absconding in connection with a previous murder of an auto-rickshaw driver in Patna.
The brazen killing has exposed deep concerns about public safety in the state, particularly among entrepreneurs. Business leaders and industry bodies have sharply criticised the law and order situation, demanding immediate government intervention.
Also read: Bizman-BJP leader Gopal Khemka shot dead years after son’s murder
“The incident is a matter of serious concern. This has certainly put a question mark on the law and order situation in the state,” said KPS Keshri, President of the Bihar Industries Association (BIA). “A BIA delegation led by me met the CS and Bihar DGP on Saturday and discussed the security concerns of businessmen and industrialists at length. The CS and DGP have assured us that our concerns will be looked into and it will be addressed on a priority basis.”
Ashish Shankar, Vice-President of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), went further in his criticism. “It’s shocking. It reminds us of the days of Jungle Raj. The BCCI and BIA will soon sit together and chalk out a detailed plan concerning security aspects of businessmen and industrialists, which will be discussed with the authorities concerned in the government.”
On Sunday, Bihar’s Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena confirmed that a delegation of industrialists had met him. “A delegation met me. I have assured them of appropriate security as per norms. Some of them have also asked for arms licences, which in any case is given to businessmen,” he said.
Khemka’s final rites were performed on July 6 at Gulbi Ghat, attended by a large number of businessmen, political figures, and well-wishers. His death has become a flashpoint in the growing debate over deteriorating law enforcement in Bihar.
Outside Khemka’s residence, industrialist Ajay Singh told reporters he had personally received threats from criminal elements. “There is no redressal system for such complaints. We used to hear about Jungle-Raj. But apparently, the current situation in the state is not different. Government and the authorities concerned must take appropriate steps to improve the situation.”
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