Key Suspect In Gopal Khemka Murder Killed In Police Encounter In Patna

A key suspect in the murder of industrialist Gopal Khemka was shot dead during an exchange of fire with police in Patna’s Damaria Ghat area in the early hours of Tuesday, 8 July, reported PTI.

The deceased, identified as Vikas alias Raja, aged 29, was also wanted in connection with several other criminal cases.

Acting on specific intelligence, a police team investigating Khemka’s murder arrived at Damaria Ghat around 2:25 AM in search of the suspect.

“On spotting the police personnel, he tried to escape and also opened fire. The officers retaliated, and he was killed,” an official was quoted as saying.

No injuries were reported among police personnel during the operation. From the scene, officers recovered a pistol, one spent cartridge and one live cartridge.

“It is suspected that Vikas provided the weapon that was used in the murder of Khemka,” the official added.

The investigation has already led to the arrest of Umesh Rai, identified as the gunman in the case, and the detention of another individual suspected of hiring the contract killer.

“The contract killer was arrested from Patna. The investigation is in progress. We will share more details in due course,” the official said.

Gopal Khemka, a prominent industrialist, was fatally shot outside his residence in the Gandhi Maidan locality of Patna on the morning of Friday, 4 July.

His murder has sparked significant political and public outcry, particularly given that seven years ago, his son was also killed in Hajipur under mysterious circumstances.

The latest developments have further fuelled discussions around rising crime rates and security concerns in Bihar.

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