Murders In Bihar And Bengal Cast Shadow Over Elections

A spate of murders in Bihar and Bengal, including political and business figures, raises alarm over law and order ahead of elections. Here’s a timeline of the chilling incidents.

Murders Rock Bihar and Bengal: Political Leaders, Businessmen Shot Dead Amid Rising Violence

Source : ANI

The recent days in Bihar and West Bengal have been marred by a disturbing string of murders — some politically motivated, others tied to long-standing business rivalries. From Union ministers receiving death threats to political leaders and businessmen being shot in cold blood, the spiraling violence has reignited fears over deteriorating law and order in these states. Here's a look at the most significant and chilling incidents that have unfolded.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan Receives Death Threat

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has allegedly received a death threat on Instagram. The threat, posted from an account named ‘Tiger Meraj Idisi’ on a journalist's social media handle, has raised serious concerns. LJP’s chief spokesperson Rajesh Bhatt filed a complaint at Patna’s Cyber Police Station, urging immediate action.

“This is a direct threat and showcases criminal intent,” Bhatt stated in his complaint. He also requested the arrest of the individual behind the account.

Cyber DCP Nitish Chandra Dharia confirmed that the threat was issued around 9 PM on July 11 and that a case has been registered. Legal proceedings are currently underway.

Prominent BJP Leader and Businessman Gopal Khemka Shot Dead in Patna

In a shocking attack on July 4, influential businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka was gunned down near his residence at Ram Gulam Chowk in Gandhi Maidan, Patna. Khemka, who owned Magadh Hospital, was stepping out of his vehicle when he was ambushed.

Police recovered a bullet and shell from the scene and launched a probe. SP Diksha confirmed the murder took place around 11 PM. Notably, this tragedy comes six years after Khemka’s son, Gunjan, was similarly murdered in Vaishali district.

Khemka’s brother expressed that the family was unaware of any recent threats. Forensic teams have since collected evidence, and senior leaders, including MP Pappu Yadav, visited the family following the incident.

Former BJP Kisan Morcha Leader Gunned Down in Patna District

On July 6, Surendra Prasad, a former BJP Kisan Morcha leader and farmer, was shot while irrigating his field in Sheikhpura. Locals rushed him to AIIMS Patna, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Patna City SP (East) Parichay Kumar said the family reported hearing gunshots between 8:00 and 8:30 PM. No cartridges were found, but the victim had suffered a single gunshot wound.

At Least Half A Dozen Shootings Since Khemka’s Murder

Since the assassination of Gopal Khemka on July 4, Patna has witnessed a disturbing rise in gun-related violence:

• July 6: Ajit Kumar, a private school administrator, was gunned down outside D.A.V. School in Khagaul.
• July 10: Sand trader Ramkant Yadav, 50, was killed near his home in Rani Bazar, West Patna.
• July 10: A man named Mayank was shot in the hand at Veterinary College Ground, Central Patna.
• July 12: Vikram Jha, a 40-year-old shopkeeper, was shot dead in Ramakrishna Nagar, East Patna.
• July 13: Jitendra Mahato, a former lawyer, was shot in Sultan Ganj and later died in hospital.
• July 13: Alok Kumar, a mechanic near Sohgi More, was shot in the leg during a dispute. He remains hospitalized.
• July 13: Surendra Prasad, 50, and a former BJP Kisan Morcha leader, was fatally shot while irrigating his fields in Sheikhpura.

Surendra Kewat’s Murder Triggers Panic

Just a week after Khemka’s killing, BJP Kisan Morcha leader Surendra Kewat was shot multiple times while working in his fields in Sheikhpura. He was rushed to AIIMS Patna but didn’t survive. According to Police 2 bike-borne attackers fled the scene as locals rushed the critically wounded Kewat to AIIMS Patna. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to trace the attackers, and forensic teams are collecting evidence.

Opposition Targets NDA Over Law and Order

The spate of murders has ignited a fierce political battle. 

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the NDA government of collapsing governance. “Who do we talk to? No one is willing to accept their failures,” he wrote on social media, taking a swipe at the state’s two BJP deputy chief ministers.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi went further, branding Bihar “India’s crime capital.” He added, “Loot, bullets, and murder have become routine. The government has lost control. Bihar needs a new dawn of progress—not fear.”

Breakthrough in Khemka Murder Probe: Contract Killing Confirmed

This week, Bihar Police announced a major breakthrough in the Gopal Khemka murder case. According to DGP Vinay Kumar, Khemka’s killing stemmed from a soured land deal.

Police arrested Umesh Yadav, the alleged shooter, and businessman Ashok Shaw, accused of hiring him. The murder weapon—a .38 bore pistol—was recovered from Yadav’s home along with 59 cartridges and 14 magazines.

Shaw allegedly paid Rs 4 lakh for the hit, offering Rs 50,000 as an advance. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts helped the Special Investigation Team trace the suspect’s motorcycle and confirm his identity. Authorities are now exploring whether there is any link between Khemka’s murder and the earlier killing of his son in 2018.

West Bengal: Three TMC Leaders Killed in Four Days

Across state lines in West Bengal, political bloodshed has gripped Birbhum and South 24 Parganas:

• Piyush Ghosh, a Trinamool Congress leader and Srinidhipur Panchayat president, was shot dead near his home in Birbhum district. Investigators are exploring business disputes as a motive.
• Rajjak Khan, a TMC committee president in South 24 Parganas and close aide to MLA Saokat Molla, was shot while returning from a party meeting.
• Abul Kalam Azad, a TMC panchayat-level worker, was hacked to death while celebrating his birthday in Malda.

Several suspects have been arrested in connection with these killings. Authorities have tightened security in sensitive regions as investigations continue.