The Gopal Khemka murder case is gaining steam ahead of the elections. In the latest development, the Bihar Police shot dead a major suspect in the case during an encounter. The incident occurred in the Malsalami area of Patna.
The suspect used to manufacture and sell illegal weapons, said the police. The encounter occurred during a joint operation by a Special Investigation Team and a Special Task Force. The teams were conducting raids in the Gopal Khemka murder investigation when they closed in on the suspect.
The suspect, identified as notorious criminal Vikas, alias Raja, opened fire as soon as he saw the police. The police retaliated, during which Vikas sustained fatal wounds.
Businessman Gopal Khemka was fatally shot late on July 4 near his home located close to the Gandhi Maidan Police Station and residences of senior district officials.
Gopal Khemka Shooter Arrested
Earlier on July 7, Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said that the investigation was the Bihar Police's top priority. He said, “Patna Police and the STF team are working effectively in this case. Based on suspicion, a dozen people have been detained and are being questioned.”
Police said the shooter involved in the case, Umesh from Patna Sahib, has been arrested.
DGP Kumar said there was a possibility of a link between Gopal Khemka's murder and some inmates lodged in Beur Jail. A search was conducted at the jail on this suspicion, resulting in the recovery of multiple mobile phones and the suspension of a few officers.
The DGP further said that Khemka had been assigned a bodyguard in 2018. This security cover continued for six years, but was withdrawn after April 2024. This withdrawal decision is now under scrutiny. Sources indicated that Khemka himself may have requested the guard’s removal. However, DGP Kumar said a detailed inquiry has been ordered into all the correspondence related to the security withdrawal. "If negligence by any officer is found, strict action will be taken," he said.
(With inputs from Shashank Kumar.)