Gopal Khemka murder: ‘Arms supplier’ killed in police encounter in Patna, rival businessman ordered hit
Patna, July 8, 2025 – In a major breakthrough in the murder case of businessman Gopal Khemka, Bihar police gunned down the suspected arms supplier during an encounter near Patna. The man, identified as Vikas alias Raja, allegedly provided the weapon used to kill Khemka. Investigators believe a rival businessman orchestrated the hit over a long-standing property dispute.
Shocking Murder of a Businessman
Late on July 4, 2025, gunmen shot and killed 58-year-old Gopal Khemka near his residence in Raja Bazar, just outside Gandhi Maidan. The attack occurred around 11:40 PM. CCTV footage showed two men approaching Khemka and shooting him before fleeing on a motorcycle. He died instantly.
The murder stunned Patna’s business community. Khemka was well-known for his trading business and links to the BJP. This wasn’t the first attack on his family. In 2018, his son Gunjan Khemka was also shot dead, reportedly over a land feud in Hajipur.
Police Act Swiftly, Arrest Shooter
Acting on strong leads, police arrested the suspected shooter Umesh Rai on July 7. Officers tracked him to an apartment in Patna’s Kotwali area using mobile data and CCTV evidence. During interrogation, Umesh admitted to the killing. He also revealed that he received payment from a rival businessman and named the arms supplier involved.
Early Morning Encounter at Damaria Ghat
After identifying the arms supplier as Vikas, police launched a pre-dawn operation on July 8. Around 2:45 AM, they cornered him near Damaria Ghat. When police tried to arrest him, Vikas reportedly fired at them. In response, police shot back and killed him on the spot.
Police recovered a country-made pistol, live rounds, and spent cartridges from the scene. Investigators later confirmed that Vikas had supplied the weapon used in Khemka’s murder. They also linked him to several other illegal arms deals.
Business Rival Accused of Masterminding the Hit
Following Umesh’s confession, police arrested Ashok Sao, a businessman and former acquaintance of Khemka. Sao had reportedly been in a long-standing land dispute with Khemka. Investigators believe he paid ₹3.5 to ₹10 lakh to get Khemka killed.
According to officials, Sao hired Umesh through a middleman. Police are now reviewing call logs and financial transactions to confirm the money trail. They are also probing any links to criminal networks operating inside local jails.
Public Reaction and Political Pressure
The murder sparked widespread outrage in Patna and beyond. Several opposition leaders blamed the state government for failing to control contract killings and organized crime. They argued that the incident reflected a growing sense of lawlessness.
“This is jungle raj. If an industrialist isn’t safe in Patna, what about common people?” said a spokesperson from the RJD.
Even the BJP, Khemka’s political ally, demanded urgent action. In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ordered a high-level review. He also directed the police to submit a detailed report within seven days.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Action
The SIT, now leading the probe, is working on multiple fronts. They are reviewing CCTV footage, tracing financial transactions, and collecting digital evidence such as WhatsApp messages and call recordings. The team is also checking for connections between the suspects and jail-based criminal syndicates.
A forensic team is examining the seized weapon to determine if it was used in earlier crimes. Police sources confirmed that they are analyzing GPS data and mobile locations to map out the suspects’ movements before and after the murder.
Questions Over the Encounter
While the killing of Vikas removed a key player, some civil society groups questioned the nature of the encounter. They asked whether police made any effort to arrest him alive. However, police officials maintained that Vikas fired first and left them no choice but to retaliate.
“Our officers followed the law. They gave him a chance to surrender. He chose to fire at the team,” said a senior STF officer.
What Happens Next?
With three major arrests and one fatal encounter, the investigation has gained significant momentum. Yet, several questions remain unanswered.
1. Will Police Uncover the Full Network?
Authorities believe more people helped plan the murder. They suspect the involvement of middlemen, financiers, and possibly jail contacts. Further arrests are likely.
2. Will Evidence Hold in Court?
The case hinges on digital data, financial trails, and forensic reports. A watertight prosecution will require solid proof, not just confessions.
3. What About the Khemka Family?
The family has now lost both Gopal and Gunjan to violence. They are demanding full justice. Their lawyer urged authorities to press for fast-track trial proceedings.
4. How Will It Affect Bihar’s Image?
Patna’s business community is on edge. Many entrepreneurs are now questioning their safety. The incident has already tarnished the state’s image, especially as elections approach.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 4, 2025 | Gopal Khemka shot dead outside his Patna home |
| July 7, 2025 | Shooter Umesh Rai arrested in the Kotwali area |
| July 8, 2025 | Arms supplier Vikas killed in an encounter near Damaria Ghat |
| July 8, 2025 | Business rival Ashok Sao arrested as alleged mastermind |
Final Thoughts
The murder of Gopal Khemka and the events that followed reveal a disturbing picture of contract killings tied to property disputes. Police have moved quickly, but the case still has many layers. As investigators dig deeper, more shocking details could surface.
For now, the arrests of Umesh Rai and Ashok Sao, along with the encounter killing of Vikas, have brought temporary relief. However, only a successful prosecution and full exposure of the network will bring justice to the Khemka family—and restore some faith in Bihar’s law enforcement system.
