Was the Accused in Gopal Khemka Murder Case Gunned Down in Patna?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vikas Kumar was linked to the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka.
- He was shot dead during a police encounter in Patna.
- The murder raised serious concerns about law and order in Bihar.
- Political ramifications were highlighted as opposition parties criticized the government.
- The investigation is ongoing, with multiple arrests made.
Patna, July 8 (NationPress) An individual linked to the assassination of businessman Gopal Khemka was shot and killed during a police encounter in the Malsalami area of Bihar's capital early Tuesday morning, officials stated.
The suspect, known as Vikas Kumar alias Raja, was reportedly with the shooter, Umesh Yadav, who directly perpetrated Khemka's murder on Friday night.
The Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and Malsalami police executed the operation based on intelligence gathered from Umesh during his interrogation.
Previously, Umesh had been apprehended as the primary shooter in this case. Initial inquiries indicated that Vikas was engaged in illegal arms trafficking in the Malsalami area and had supplied the weapon used in Khemka's murder to Umesh.
According to an official source, the police team arrived at Vikas's residence around 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday, where he opened fire on the officers. The STF and Malsalami police responded with force. After a brief exchange of gunfire, the suspect was neutralized.
“As of now, we have detained two individuals and arrested the primary shooter in the Gopal Khemka case. Our investigation suggests that a contract of Rs 10 lakh was placed for Khemka's assassination, subcontracted to Umesh for Rs 1 lakh,” stated a senior police official, noting that further information would be released as the investigation continues.
Businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead in Patna on Friday night, causing alarm and concern within the business community and prompting questions regarding the law and order situation in the state capital.
This high-profile murder case has placed the Nitish Kumar government under scrutiny, especially as the ruling coalition of JD(U) and BJP gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Opposition parties, RJD and Congress, have criticized the state government over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar.
The Chief Minister convened a meeting with senior officials following the shocking murder, urging them to expedite the investigation into the businessman's killing.