As political temperatures rise in poll-bound Bihar, the brazen murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in the heart of Patna has triggered a fierce attack from opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who has accused the Nitish Kumar-led NDA of turning the state into a haven for crime.
“Today, Bihar lives under the shadow of loot, gunfire, and murder. Crime has become the new normal, and the government has completely failed,” the Congress leader posted on social media, calling the state the “crime capital of India”.
The attack came two days after Khemka, owner of the Magadh Hospital, was shot dead by a bike-borne gunman at 11:40 pm on Friday in the high-security Gandhi Maidan locality, where top administrative officials also reside. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras.
Rahul further appealed to Bihar’s electorate to oust the ruling coalition. “Every murder, every robbery, every bullet is a cry for change. The time has come for a new Bihar, one of progress, not fear. This time, your vote isn’t just to change the government,it’s to save Bihar,” he wrote.
The assassination has reignited debate over law and order in Bihar, with the Opposition pointing to a pattern. Khemka’s son Gunjan, a BJP functionary, was similarly gunned down in broad daylight six years ago. No arrests were made in that case.
Also read: Bizman-BJP leader Gopal Khemka shot dead years after son’s murder
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav hit out at the police for arriving late at the crime scene. “It's a horrible incident. The businessmen want to leave Bihar. The incident occurred in the heart of Patna... Still, it takes the police two hours to arrive here,” he said.
Highlighting alleged systemic rot, Yadav added, “Six years ago, his son was murdered, and none of the murderers were caught... By the time transfers and postings are done through bribery and performers are not posted, things will not improve. No one is safe in Bihar... The CM is unconscious and he is tired, officers are running the government.”
Independent MP Pappu Yadav, who rushed to the crime scene, questioned the security arrangements in what is considered one of the most secure zones in Patna. “How can this happen in an area where the District Magistrate and other key officials live? Does the Bihar government want to see every member of the Khemka family dead?” he asked.
With just months to go before the state Assembly elections, the killing has become a flashpoint in the larger contest over governance, security, and public confidence. The Opposition, sensing an opportunity, is sharpening its critique of the NDA’s handling of crime and safety.
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