Gopal Khemka murder: Surprise raid at Patna prison, 100 inmates quizzed as police hunt for killer
Patna, July 7 – The killing of BJP leader and businessman Gopal Khemka has sent shockwaves across Bihar. His murder was not random. Police say it was carefully planned and may have involved a gangster network inside Beur Central Jail. Now, investigators are digging deep to uncover the people who plotted the crime and the hired gunman who carried it out.
Cold-Blooded Killing Outside His Home
On the night of July 4, Khemka returned home from Bankipur Club. As he stepped out of his car near his residence, a man on a bike approached and opened fire. The bullets hit Khemka directly. His family rushed him to the hospital, but he could not be saved.
This wasn’t the first tragedy for the Khemka family. His brother, Gunjan Khemka, was also shot dead in 2018. Both killings appear connected to deep-rooted rivalries and organized crime.
Police Raid Beur Jail, Question 100 Inmates
Two days after the murder, Patna police raided Beur Central Jail. They suspected that gangsters inside the prison may have planned the hit. During the raid, they questioned over 100 inmates. Officers seized mobile phones, SIM cards, data cables, and handwritten notes.
Among those questioned was Ajay Verma, a gangster with a long criminal record. Investigators believe he may have ordered the killing from inside the jail. He has been involved in property disputes, which could be a motive.
Shooter Identified Through CCTV
Police reviewed over 100 CCTV recordings from Patna. These included footage from Bankipur Club and roads leading to Khemka’s home. They identified the shooter, who followed Khemka from the club.
Now, special teams are tracking him. The Special Task Force (STF) and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are tracing his movements. They are also checking phone records and financial transactions to find the people who funded the attack.
Arrest at Funeral Raises Eyebrows
In a dramatic turn, police arrested Roshan Kumar, one of the suspects, while he attended Khemka’s funeral. He had arrived wearing a flower garland, trying to act like a mourner. His presence raised suspicion, and officers detained him for questioning.
Police believe several people may have helped plan the killing. They have already arrested seven suspects and are looking for more.
Family Demands Protection
After the murder, Khemka’s son Gaurav Khemka wrote to the authorities. He requested police protection for the family. He also asked for a fast and fair investigation.
“Our family has already lost one member. Now we have lost another. We fear we could be next,” he said.
Jail-to-Street Nexus Under Scrutiny
This case has raised serious concerns about crime control in Bihar. Gangsters appear to be running operations from inside prisons. This isn’t new, but the Khemka case has made it visible again.
During the Beur jail raid, police found signs of deep coordination between inmates and outside shooters. Communication flowed through smuggled phones, and some notes even listed people targeted for attacks.
Authorities suspended three jail officials for negligence. The Chief Minister ordered a review of jail security and communications.
Opposition Slams Government
Political leaders wasted no time in reacting. Rahul Gandhi called Bihar the “crime capital” of India. Other parties, including the RJD and Congress, demanded accountability from the Nitish Kumar-led government.
Several MLAs also questioned how gangsters could control networks from inside high-security prisons. They asked for new laws and stricter monitoring of inmates.
What’s Next?
The police are continuing raids in other areas, including Hajipur and Sonepur, where the shooter may have fled. Investigators are tracking his route and may issue a lookout notice.
The SIT and STF teams will now focus on:
- Finding the missing shooter
- Tracing financial transactions
- Breaking the jail-based network
- Securing the Khemka family
This case might reshape how Bihar handles crime syndicates. Many believe it’s time to crack down harder on organized crime and bring transparency to the jail system.
Conclusion
The murder of Gopal Khemka exposes a larger problem. It’s not just about one businessman. It’s about how criminals, even from behind bars, can plan attacks, control people, and shake public trust. Bihar must act now. The police have made progress, but justice will only be served when the mastermind and the killer face the law.
