Gopal Khemka, prominent businessman and Bihar BJP leader, shot dead

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was killed in Bihar on Friday night. Gopal Khemka, who was also a prominent businessman, was tragically shot dead outside his residence in Patna, various news reports said. The incident occurred near the 'Panache' Hotel in the Gandhi Maidan police station area as he was heading home.

Despite immediate medical assistance, Khemka succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The police have since launched an investigation, recovering a bullet and shell casing from the site, an NDTV report said.

Authorities confirmed that they received reports of the shooting at approximately 11 PM. City Superintendent of Police (Central) said the police responded swiftly to the incident by cordoning off the area.

Investigators are currently examining CCTV footage to gather more information on the assailant, who fled the scene immediately after the attack. The motive behind this shocking crime remains unclear, and officials are working diligently to uncover further details.

The murder of Gopal Khemka has sparked outrage and raised questions about public safety in Bihar. Independent MP Pappu Yadav, also known as Rajesh Ranjan, visited the crime scene and expressed his disapproval of the Nitish Kumar-led government on social media. He highlighted the increasing lawlessness in the state, stating that "no one is safe in Bihar."

Yadav blamed the government for failing to act decisively following the murder of Khemka’s son three years ago, suggesting that a lack of stringent measures against criminals had contributed to the current climate of fear.