Overview
On the night of July 4, around 11:40 PM, respected businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka was tragically shot dead in broad daylight outside his home in the posh Gandhi Maidan neighbourhood of Patna. The similarity to his son Gunjan Khemka’s 2018 murder has struck a chord nationwide. Authorities are now probing whether this was a premeditated attack or part of a broader conspiracy.
Location & Crime Scene
Location: Outside the “Twin Tower” society near Hotel Panache, Gandhi Maidan police station jurisdiction.
Attack Details: Assailants on a motorcycle opened fire as Khemka stepped out of his car. Police recovered one bullet and casing from the scene.
Victim’s Fate: Khemka, owner of Magadh Hospital, succumbed to injuries on the spot.
Police Response: While officials say they reached “as soon as information was received,” the family alleges a three-hour delay before police arrived.
A Family Gripped by History
On December 10, 2018, Gopal’s son Gunjan, then a BJP small industries cell convener, was similarly shot dead by a motorcycle-riding assailant outside his cotton factory in Vaishali. That high-profile case remains unsolved. Local observers now view Gopal as a ‘high-value target’, emphasizing his increased risk.
Police & SIT Investigation
Crime Inquiry: Police are meticulously reviewing CCTV footage, reconstructing the crime with forensic teams scanning evidence.
Special Investigation Team (SIT): A SIT, led by SP City Central Diksha Kumari under Director-General Vinay Kumar’s direction, is probing political rivalries, criminal syndicates, and personal enmity as potential motives
Political Aftershock
The killing has triggered widespread outrage, especially because it occurred just months before the Bihar Assembly elections:
Pappu Yadav (Ind. MP, Purnea):
“Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar.” He blamed the government for failing after Gunjan’s murder.
RJD Voices & Others: Leaders slammed the JD(U)-BJP government under Nitish Kumar, accusing it of enabling a revived “Jungle Raj,” and demanding immediate action.
Opinion Columns: Editorial pages questioned the state’s law enforcement and the effectiveness of public safety measures.
Profile: Who Was Gopal Khemka?
Professional Role: Proprietor of Magadh Hospital, one of Bihar’s leading private healthcare institutions.
Political Ties: Long-time supporter of the BJP, he maintained strong grassroots connections in Patna’s business and political circles.
Family Legacy: Part of a family already traumatized by Gunjan’s unresolved murder six years earlier, amplifying the gravity of this new tragedy.
🕰️ Timeline: July 4–5, 2025
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~11:40 PM | Gopal Khemka shot while exiting his car near Twin Tower, Patna. |
| Late Night | Crime scene cordoned off; bullet and casing recovered by forensics team. |
| Overnight | Police begin reviewing CCTV footage; SIT formed for investigation. |
| Early Morning | Family alleges delay in police arrival; questions raised publicly. |
| Morning to Noon | Political leaders react; opposition attacks Nitish govt over law and order. |
~11:40 PM Khemka shot while leaving car.
Late NightCrime scene cordoned; bullet and casing recovered.
Overnight Police assemble SIT; begin CCTV review .Family Claims Alleged 3‑hour delay by police .Political Reaction Opposition condemns government; demand justice .
Why This Matters
1. Law & Order Alarm: Two high-profile killings in six years under similar circumstances spotlight systemic investigative failures and police inefficacy.
2. Political Implications: With elections near, this case will have a major effect on voter confidence and political narratives in Bihar.
3. Security Demands: Highlights urgent need for enhanced protection for individuals previously targeted in violent crime.
What’s Next in the Investigation
SIT Actions: Tracking bike routes, analysing phone records, questioning suspects.
CCTV & Forensics: Detailed timeline and suspect identification.
Judicial Follow-up: Hopes for swift arrests and charge sheets.
Final Reflection
The murder of Gopal Khemka is not just another crime story – it’s a grim reminder of the state’s failure to protect its citizens, even those previously attacked. It raises urgent demands for overhaul of policing, political accountability, and restoration of public trust in Bihar. With a powerful SIT in place, all eyes are now on how swiftly justice is served and whether this case changes the trajectory of law, order, and electoral politics in the state.
