Is the Gopal Khemka Case a Top Priority for Bihar Police?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Priority Investigation: The Bihar Police and STF are prioritizing Gopal Khemka's murder case.
- Technical Analysis: Electronic data is being analyzed to identify suspects.
- Link to Beur Jail: Possible connections to criminals in Beur Jail are being investigated.
- Security Concerns: Khemka's security was withdrawn shortly before his murder.
- Public Outcry: The incident has triggered significant political and public backlash.
Patna, July 7 (NationPress) The tragic murder of Gopal Khemka, a well-known businessman from Patna, during an Assembly election year, presents a formidable challenge for the Bihar Police. Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has indicated that this case is being treated with utmost urgency.
During a press briefing, DGP Vinay Kumar stated, “Both the Patna Police and the STF are diligently working on this case. We've detained approximately a dozen suspects for questioning based on leads.”
He further disclosed that a thorough technical investigation, including electronic data analysis, is in progress to identify both the assailants and those who may have orchestrated the crime.
The DGP mentioned that the murder might be connected to criminals incarcerated in Beur Jail, prompting a raid within the prison facilities.
During this operation, multiple mobile phones were confiscated, resulting in suspensions of certain personnel.
“Our STF team visited the crime scene on Sunday and collected numerous vital clues. However, due to security considerations, we cannot disclose further details at this time. I am optimistic that we will resolve this case shortly,” Kumar remarked.
When queried about the delay in police presence at the crime scene, the DGP clarified that the immediate priority was to transport the injured businessman to Mediversal Hospital, where he arrived around 12:30 A.M.
The officer in charge of Kankarbagh Police Station reached the hospital within minutes.
“There was a slight delay in arriving at the incident site, but saving the victim's life was our primary concern. We are investigating this delay, and if any officer is found at fault, appropriate actions, including suspension, will be taken,” Kumar confirmed.
In response to questions about security provisions, the DGP revealed that Khemka had been assigned a bodyguard in 2018, which lasted for six years. However, this security detail was withdrawn after April 2024, a decision that is also under review.
Sources suggest that Khemka might have requested the removal of his security. Nonetheless, the DGP assured that an extensive inquiry into all communications regarding the security withdrawal is ongoing, and any negligence by involved officers will lead to stringent actions.
The murder of businessman Gopal Khemka, shot dead near his home in Patna close to the Gandhi Maidan Police Station and residences of key district officials late Friday night, has sparked significant political and public outcry concerning the law and order situation in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.