Accused in Patna Businessman Gopal Khemka's Murder Killed in Police Encounter

In a significant breakthrough in the murder case of well-known Patna business tycoon Gopal Khemka, a key accused, Vikas alias Raja, was shot dead in a police encounter early Tuesday in the Mal Salami area of Patna City. Vikas, who was allegedly involved in the arms supply and planning of Gopal Khemka’s killing, was gunned down during an operation launched to arrest him.

According to the police, Vikas was closely associated with Umesh, the main shooter who allegedly fired the fatal shots at Khemka on the night of July 4. Vikas not only accompanied Umesh during the attack but also played a crucial role in supplying illegal weapons. As per reports, Vikas was previously involved in the manufacturing and distribution of unlicensed firearms and had a criminal background.

Encounter in the heart of Patna

The encounter took place when police raided a suspected hideout following tip-offs gathered during the interrogation of other detained suspects. Vikas reportedly opened fire in a bid to escape and was neutralised in retaliatory firing. He was later declared dead at the hospital.

Just a day earlier, Patna Police had detained over a dozen suspects, including Roshan Kumar, a man who was spotted at Gopal Khemka’s funeral. The police have called the murder a well-planned conspiracy, involving multiple handlers.

Mother of Accused Raja Breaks Down

"What did my son do? He used to work in Chennai..." mother of Global Khemka murder accused Vikas who was killed in a police encounter told the reporters. 

Gopal Khemka's Murder Shocked Bihar

Gopal Khemka was shot dead outside his residence in Patna’s Ramgulam Chowk around 11:40 PM on July 4. Chilling CCTV footage revealed a masked man emerging from the shadows just seconds after Khemka’s arrival near the gate, firing at a close range before fleeing into the dark.

The murder had a haunting resemblance to the 2018 killing of his son Gunjan Khemka, who was shot outside his factory in Hajipur by motorcycle-borne assailants.

Are the Two Murders Linked?

The police have now formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a potential connection between the father-son killings. Both attacks involved close-range execution, involved criminal networks, and were allegedly planned in advance, leading probe officials to explore angles of business rivalry and extortion.

Senior police officials, including SP Patna Diksha, are monitoring the case closely. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene. With Vikas now dead and Umesh in custody, questioning of more suspects is underway. An investigation is underway to uncover the full conspiracy behind the murder.