Prominent businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka was shot dead near his residence in Patna on Friday night, seven years after his son, Gunjan Khemka, also met a similar fate.
As per reports, the unidentified assailants opened fire on Khemka when he stepped out of his car near an apartment close to his residence, Panache Hotel, in the posh Gandhi Maidan area on Friday night.
From being a doctor, an established businessman, and a politician, Khemka's portfolio was extensive. Here's all you need to know about him.
Who Was Gopal Khemka?
The well-known industrialist Gopal Khemka, as per media reports, was the former owner of Magadh Hospital, once considered one of Patna’s top private healthcare institutions.
Pharmaceuticals: What started from a small medical store in Patna, later transformed into an established business chain with several medicine shops across the city. Khemka's brothers are reportedly associated with the same business as well.
Real Estate: Later, he also diversified his portfolio by entering the real estate sector and started dealing with properties. He also owned a petrol pump, and multiple factories in Hajipur, The Economic Times reported.
Family: As per media reports. Gopal Khemka was one of the four brothers. His elder brother is Vijay Khemka, and his younger brothers are Kishan Khemka and Kanhaiya Khemka.
Khemka had two sons and a daughter. Back in 2018, his elder son, Gunjan Khemka, was shot dead in Hajipur. His younger son, Gaurav Khemka, is a doctor at IGIMS in Patna. His daughter is married and lives in London with her family.
Assailants Killed Khemka
A group of bike-borne unidentified assailants opened fire on Khemka when he stepped out of his car near an apartment close to his residence, Panache Hotel, in the posh Gandhi Maidan area on Friday night.
Speaking to ANI, Patna SP Central, Diksha, said, "On the night of 4 July, around 11 PM, we received information from the Gandhi Maidan South area that businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead. As soon as the information was received, the police reached the hospital and the crime scene. The area has been cordoned off, and an investigation is underway. CCTV footage is being examined. Further action will be taken."
The police have recovered one bullet and a shell casing from the crime scene. The reason behind the crime is yet to be ascertained.
With just a few months left for the assembly elections, the murder has sparked huge political outrage in the poll-bound state, with Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav questioning the Nitish Kumar-led BJP government's claims of good governance. Yadav alias Rajesh Ranjan also visited the spot last night.
Taking it to X, he wrote, "Bihar has become a sanctuary for criminals! Nitish ji, please spare Bihar." Yadav in his post also claimed that when Khemka's son was killed, if the government at that time had not become a partner to the criminals and had taken strict action against them, Gopal Khemka would not have been murdered.
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