A key suspect in the high-profile murder of industrialist Gopal Khemka was shot dead in an early morning police encounter in Patna’s Damaria Ghat area on Tuesday, officials confirmed to PTI.
The deceased, identified as Vikas alias Raja (29), was allegedly involved in multiple criminal cases and was under investigation for his role in Khemka’s killing. Police say Vikas may have supplied the weapon used in the murder.
According to police sources, a team investigating the murder received a tip-off about Vikas’s location and reached Damaria Ghat around 2:25 a.m. “On spotting the officers, he attempted to flee and opened fire. The police retaliated, leading to his death,” an official said. No police personnel were injured in the encounter.
Officers recovered a pistol, along with one live and one spent cartridge, from the scene.
Earlier, police had arrested the alleged gunman, Umesh Rai, and detained another individual suspected of commissioning the contract killing. “The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be shared as they become available,” the official added.
Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his home in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan area on the morning of July 4. The case drew significant attention, particularly in light of a similar tragedy involving Khemka’s son, who was killed in Hajipur seven years ago.
The ruling Janata Dal (United) praised the swift action taken by law enforcement. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said the police had made a major breakthrough. “The arrest of the shooter and the encounter of another key accused reflect the commitment of Bihar Police. They’ve done a commendable job,” he said.
Prasad also defended the state’s law and order situation under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “Let the opposition take note — under CM Nitish Kumar’s leadership, no criminal will be spared. The Chief Minister personally monitors such cases,” he added.
The police have stated that further developments in the case will be disclosed in due course.
