Was ‘Maha Jungle Raj’ the Reason Behind Gopal Khemka’s Murder?

Patna, July 5 (NationPress) The tragic assassination of Gopal Khemka, a notable businessman and BJP leader, in central Patna has ignited a political uproar in Bihar. On Saturday, opposition leaders accused the Nitish Kumar administration of allowing a state of "Maha Jungle Raj" to prevail.

Tejashwi Yadav, a key RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, launched a sharp critique against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his NDA government, holding them accountable for the worsening security situation.

In an exclusive statement to IANS, he remarked, "Bihar is experiencing 'Maha Jungle Raj.' We are profoundly saddened. Khemka was murdered on Friday, and previously, his son was killed a few years back—both incidents occurring during the NDA's governance. We had even organized a candlelight vigil back then."

He continued, "This is incredibly disheartening. Criminals are rampant in Bihar while our Chief Minister is in a complete state of unawareness. Crime rates are escalating daily. These BJP leaders have established a full jungle raj. People are fleeing Bihar."

The assassination has reopened old wounds for the Khemka family. In 2018, Gunjan Khemka, Gopal's son, was fatally shot in a similar incident, highlighting what critics argue is a trend of rampant criminality in the state.

Pappu Yadav, chief of the Jan Adhikar Party, also condemned Khemka's murder, demanding a thorough and high-level investigation.

"The inquiry into Gopal Khemka's murder should be entrusted to the CBI, under the Supreme Court's oversight. It’s clear that a powerful individual is behind this. No ordinary criminal would dare to execute such a blatant murder right in front of the Patna Zone Police Headquarters," Yadav stated in a post on X.

He further claimed, "His son was also murdered in a similar fashion, indicating that the murderer and the mastermind are likely the same and are being sheltered by those in authority."

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a personal loss for the city of Patna.

"I am genuinely saddened. He was a prominent businessman and a respected social worker. His son was killed previously, and now he has also fallen victim. This incident deeply pains me," Prasad conveyed.

The BJP MP noted that he had communicated with senior police officials, the Patna collector, and Deputy Chief Ministers. He mentioned that the state government has initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder.

"My hope is that the SIT will quickly apprehend the perpetrators. The citizens of Patna are understandably outraged over such crimes. The audacity of these criminals is intolerable," he expressed.

However, Prasad dismissed the opposition's claims that the murder signifies a breakdown in law and order.

"I prefer not to engage in allegations back and forth. Should I remind them of the chaos during Lalu Yadav's administration? This is a tragic incident. The government is vigilant and is taking necessary actions. I am optimistic about swift justice," he added.

Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police, Kartikeya K Sharma, assured a comprehensive investigation.

"We have significant information related to this case. We are also exploring potential links to the earlier murder of his son. If any connections exist, stringent actions will follow. We possess robust leads but will withhold the motive until the inquiry concludes. We are committed to conducting a thorough and prompt investigation," Sharma stated.

Gopal Khemka, recognized as a low-key yet influential industrialist, was shot late Friday night outside his residence in Patna. Over the years, he established a diverse business empire, previously owning Magadh Hospital, regarded as one of Patna's premier private healthcare facilities, along with numerous medicine shops across the city.

Additionally, he operated a petrol station on Exhibition Road and managed several factories in Hajipur, including two cardboard manufacturing plants.