Is Bihar's Law and Order Under Siege Following Gopal Khemka’s Murder?
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Synopsis
The murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders decrying the Nitish Kumar government’s failure to maintain law and order. As crime rates soar, critics draw unsettling parallels to past regimes, raising questions about the future of Bihar's governance.
Key Takeaways
- Gopal Khemka’s
- Opposition leaders draw parallels with past regimes.
- Crime rates in Bihar show a troubling trend.
- Political implications for the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections are significant.
- Community safety is a pressing concern for residents.
Patna, July 5 (NationPress) The assassination of notable businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has ignited a significant political uproar in Bihar, with opposition figures launching fierce critiques against the Nitish Kumar-led administration regarding the alarming decline in law and order.
Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, condemned the act while speaking to reporters in Nokha, Rohtas, after a public gathering.
Kishor drew a comparison to the era of Lalu Prasad Yadav, stating: “Just as there was a jungle raj of criminals under Lalu Prasad’s governance, a jungle raj of officers now prevails under Nitish Kumar. The levels of crime and corruption remain unaltered across both administrations.”
He emphasized that the public previously endured Lalu’s criminal jungle raj; now, they are facing the consequences of Nitish’s officer raj.
“The credibility of the government has completely eroded,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Jan Suraaj National President Uday Singh, State President Manoj Bharti, and leaders Kishore Munna and R.K. Mishra visited Gopal Khemka’s family in Patna to express their condolences.
In conversations with the media, Uday Singh expressed grave concerns about the escalating crime rate in Bihar.
“Criminal acts such as murder and rape are occurring daily, and the police have utterly failed to intervene,” Singh stated.
The Congress party also directed its criticisms towards the Nitish government, emphasizing the transformation of Bihar’s reputation from a region synonymous with peace and knowledge to one where “bullets from goons are rampant.”
During a press conference in Patna, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former Bihar state president, condemned the Nitish-led NDA government.
“While the ADG Law and Order raises alarms about increasing assaults on police, criminals are brazenly firing gunshots near Tejashwi Yadav’s residence in Patna without consequence. Minor girls are being sexually assaulted, police officers are being killed, and crime is soaring.”
Singh presented statistics to highlight the surge in crime.
In Patna alone, there have been 116 murders and 41 rapes this year.
Data from police headquarters (last year) reported 1,297 attacks on police within 151 days.
According to NCRB data, total crimes in Bihar increased from 160,664 in 2005 to 347,835 in 2022, marking a 323 percent rise.
The killing of Gopal Khemka near a police station in Patna has not only shaken the industrial sector but has also equipped the opposition with fresh ammunition ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, thrusting law and order into the heart of Bihar’s political dialogue.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the severity of the situation in Bihar. The murder of Gopal Khemka highlights deeper systemic issues within the governance of the state. It underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to law enforcement and public safety, maintaining a focus on the citizens' right to live without fear.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the political uproar in Bihar?
The murder of businessman Gopal Khemka has sparked significant criticism against the Nitish Kumar government regarding its handling of law and order.
Who is Prashant Kishor?
Prashant Kishor is the founder of Jan Suraaj and a prominent political figure in Bihar, who has vocally condemned the recent murder.
What are the crime statistics in Bihar?
In Patna alone, there have been 116 murders and 41 rapes reported this year, with a significant increase in overall crime rates.
What is the significance of the 2025 Assembly elections?
The upcoming elections are crucial, as the opposition is using the current law and order crisis to challenge the Nitish Kumar government.
How is the Congress party involved?
The Congress party has criticized the Nitish government, highlighting the alarming rise in crime and the perception of Bihar's safety.
