Will Bihar's Deputy CMs ensure justice in businessman Gopal Khemka's murder case?

Patna, July 5 (NationPress) Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary pledged a prompt and comprehensive investigation into the shocking murder of notable businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka, assuring the public that no perpetrator will escape justice.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha described the occurrence as “extremely unfortunate” and “a grave failure of administrative duty.”

“This is a serious matter for the governance. The authorities will respond with urgency. The suspects have been identified, and they will face consequences,” Sinha stated.

He highlighted that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is personally overseeing the investigation.

“Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is directly addressing this situation. Actions will also be taken against police personnel whose negligence has been revealed. They will not be tolerated. I will personally discuss this with the Chief Minister,” he added.

Sinha also raised concerns regarding the policing failures, despite assurances of regular patrols and the proximity of a police station.

“How could such an incident occur with continuous patrols and a police station nearby? Why were there no actions taken following his son’s murder in 2018? No one will be exempt, regardless of their status. Those responsible will be held accountable,” he warned.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reiterated similar sentiments, confirming that the government is fully committed to the investigation.

“The Bihar government, under the esteemed Nitish Kumar, has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT). We are exploring every angle. No criminal will evade justice under any circumstances—I assure everyone of this,” Choudhary stated.

Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also expressed his condemnation of the murder, labeling it “tragic” and promising justice for the victim’s family.

“The incident in Patna, resulting in Gopal Khemka’s death, is profoundly tragic. I condemn it unequivocally. However, I assure you that the perpetrators will not go unpunished. Under Nitish Kumar’s governance, there will be no compromise on law and order,” Hussain remarked.

He further criticized opposition leaders for exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

“It’s regrettable that Tejashwi Yadav and Pappu Yadav are politicizing this death. Those who instigated the so-called ‘Jungle Raj’ in the past are now making a fuss. This government does not protect criminals. A swift investigation will ensue,” he added.

Gopal Khemka, a prominent industrialist and a key player in Patna’s business and political arenas, was shot dead late Thursday night around 11 PM near Ramgulam Chowk under the Gandhi Maidan police station jurisdiction.

Known for being a low-profile yet influential businessman, Khemka was the former owner of the esteemed Magadh Hospital, once considered among Patna’s top private healthcare facilities. His business portfolio also included multiple medical shops in Patna, a petrol pump on Exhibition Road, and several factories in Hajipur, including two cardboard manufacturing plants.

According to police reports, Khemka was exiting his vehicle near his home when unknown assailants on a motorcycle opened fire from close range. He was quickly transported to a nearby private hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The police retrieved one bullet and a shell from the crime scene.

Earlier in the day, Bihar’s Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar reassured the public of swift action.

“This is a deeply saddening event. A dedicated police team and the Special Task Force (STF) are fully engaged in the investigation. We are optimistic that the case will be resolved soon, and arrests will be made promptly,” DGP Vinay Kumar informed IANS.

As the investigation unfolds, political pressure is increasing on the administration to deliver justice quickly and restore public trust in law and order in Bihar’s capital. The murder of such a prominent figure has ignited outrage statewide, with calls for accountability at all levels of governance.