BJP Leader and Businessman Gopal Khemka Shot Dead in Patna, Echoes 2018 Murder of Son

Prominent businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his home in Patna late Friday night, police confirmed. The killing bears a chilling resemblance to the 2018 murder of his son, Gunjan Khemka, who was gunned down in a similar fashion.

According to police, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. near Hotel Panache in the Gandhi Maidan police station area. Khemka was reportedly returning home when unidentified assailants opened fire. His residence is in a housing society adjacent to the hotel.

Patna Superintendent of Police Diksha confirmed the incident: “On the night of July 4, at around 11 p.m., we received information that businessman Gopal Khemka has been shot dead in the southern part of the Gandhi Maidan area. The crime scene has been secured, and an investigation is underway.”

“One bullet and one shell have been recovered,” she added, noting that Khemka died on the spot. CCTV footage from the area is currently being reviewed.

Echoes of a Past Tragedy

The killing has triggered outrage and concern, particularly due to its eerie similarity to the fatal shooting of Gopal Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, in December 2018. Gunjan was shot dead outside the gate of his factory in the Hajipur industrial area in a similarly bold attack that remains unresolved.

Political Reactions

Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan), visited the scene and sharply criticized the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government for what he called a breakdown in law and order.

“Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar,” Yadav wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He further stated: “If the government had taken strict action when Gunjan was killed, Gopal Khemka would not have been murdered today.”

In a follow-up post, Yadav added: “Seven years ago, Gopal Khemka ji’s son Gunjan Khemka was murdered, and I had gone to assure the family of justice. If the government at that time had not become a partner to the criminals, Gopal Khemka ji would be alive today.”

Investigation Ongoing

Police have yet to identify the attackers or determine a motive. With the case now under high-profile scrutiny and drawing comparisons to the unsolved murder of Khemka’s son, authorities say they are treating the matter with urgency.

More details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.