BJP Leader Gopal Khemka Shot Dead in Patna: Opposition Slams Nitish Govt Over 'Maha Jungle Raj'
Patna, Bihar – The brutal murder of prominent businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka in the heart of Patna on Friday night has sparked a massive political firestorm across Bihar, with Opposition parties launching scathing attacks on the ruling NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The 60-year-old Khemka, who was known for his extensive business empire and political affiliation with the BJP, was gunned down outside his residence late Friday. The brazen killing, which occurred near the Patna Zone Police Headquarters, has drawn fierce criticism and reignited concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Tejashwi Yadav: “Bihar is in Maha Jungle Raj”
Reacting strongly, RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav accused the Nitish Kumar-led government of failing to maintain basic law and order.
“There is Maha Jungle Raj in Bihar. Gopal Khemka has been murdered just like his son a few years ago—both under the NDA rule. We even held a candle march back then. Now this. Criminals are running unchecked, and the Chief Minister appears completely out of touch with the reality,” Tejashwi said in an exclusive interaction with IANS.
He added that businessmen, professionals, and even common citizens no longer feel safe in Bihar.
Pattern of Violence: Son Killed in 2018
The murder has brought back painful memories for the Khemka family. In 2018, Gopal Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, was similarly shot dead in Patna, in what now appears to be a chilling pattern of targeted attacks on the family.
Critics argue that the lack of progress in solving the previous case might have emboldened criminals, raising serious questions about governance and accountability.
Pappu Yadav Demands CBI Probe Under Supreme Court Supervision
Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav took to social media to demand a high-level probe, alleging political protection for the perpetrators.
“This isn’t the work of petty criminals. Someone powerful is shielding the mastermind behind both murders. We demand that the CBI take over the investigation under Supreme Court supervision,” Yadav posted on X.
He insisted that the resemblance between both murders strongly suggests that the same people are involved—and that they enjoy protection from powerful quarters.
Ravi Shankar Prasad: "This Is Personal Loss"
Senior BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed deep sorrow and termed Khemka’s killing as a personal and civic loss.
“I am deeply pained. He was a respected industrialist and philanthropist in Patna. His son was murdered years ago, and now he too has fallen to bullets. The pain is immense,” Prasad said.
The BJP leader added that he had spoken with senior officials, including the Patna Collector and top police personnel. He confirmed that the Bihar government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.
“We expect quick arrests. The people of Patna are angry and disturbed. Such audacity from criminals is intolerable,” he said.
However, Prasad dismissed the Opposition’s allegations of a law-and-order collapse, stating, “The government is alert. Action is being taken. Let us not indulge in blame games.”
Police Response: ‘We Have Strong Leads’
Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma assured that the investigation is proceeding swiftly and that the police are exploring all angles, including possible links to the 2018 murder.
“We have substantial information and strong leads. However, we cannot disclose the motive just yet. A thorough and prompt investigation will be conducted, and if any link to the earlier murder is established, strict action will follow,” Sharma said.
Who Was Gopal Khemka?
Gopal Khemka was not only a BJP leader, but also a highly influential industrialist in Bihar. Known for maintaining a low profile, he had established a diversified business empire that spanned multiple sectors:
- Healthcare: Former owner of Magadh Hospital, once one of Patna’s most reputed private hospitals.
- Retail: Proprietor of several medicine shops across the city.
- Energy & Infrastructure: Operated a petrol pump on Patna’s busy Exhibition Road.
- Manufacturing: Owned two cardboard factories in Hajipur, among other industrial units.
His contributions to both commerce and public welfare made him a well-known figure in Patna’s civic and business circles.
Public Outrage and Demand for Justice
The twin murders of Gopal and Gunjan Khemka—both under mysterious and violent circumstances—have left the people of Patna angry and frightened. Civic organizations, traders’ unions, and business chambers have begun mobilizing, demanding concrete steps to curb what they call the “criminalization of Bihar.”
A bandh call and protest march by the Patna Vyapar Mandal and Federation of Bihar Industries are reportedly in the works.
Conclusion
As the political blame game intensifies in the wake of Khemka's assassination, all eyes are on the newly formed SIT and the Bihar government’s next moves. For the Khemka family, the tragedy is deeply personal—and for Bihar, it is yet another test of its fragile law and order machinery.
Swift and transparent justice could help restore some public trust. But unless systemic issues are addressed, many fear the violence that claimed the lives of both Gopal and Gunjan Khemka may not be the last.