Patna: BJP Leader Gopal Khemka Gunned Down Near Home, Echoes Son’s 2018 Murder

BJP Leader Gopal Khemka Shot Dead in Patna, Six Years After Son’s Murder.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead by an unidentified bike-borne assailant outside his residence in Patna late Friday night, police confirmed. The incident bears chilling similarities to the murder of his son, Gunjan Khemka, who was also gunned down in a similar manner six years ago.

According to police, Khemka had returned to his residence near Ramgulam Chowk from Bankipur Club around 11 p.m. “As soon as he stepped out of his vehicle, an assailant opened fire at point-blank range. The attacker fled the scene on a motorcycle. Khemka was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead,” said a senior police official.

Preliminary investigation suggests multiple rounds from a 9mm weapon were fired, some of which struck while Khemka was still inside his vehicle. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case. Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Binay Kumar has ordered the Special Task Force (STF) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assist Patna Police in the investigation.

Gunjan Khemka, Gopal’s son and owner of G K Cotton Mill, was shot dead on December 20, 2018, by a bike-borne assailant outside his factory gate in Hajipur Industrial Area, Vaishali district.

The double tragedy has sparked outrage in political circles. Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, visited the crime scene and sharply criticised the Nitish Kumar-led state government for failing to curb rising crime in Bihar.

“Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Reflecting on Gunjan Khemka’s unresolved murder, Yadav added, “Seven years ago, I visited the family after Gunjan Khemka was killed and assured them justice. Had the government acted decisively back then, Gopal Khemka would be alive today. This regime has become a cruel haven for thugs — no one is safe.”

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind Gopal Khemka’s murder remains unclear.