Prominent BJP Leader Gopal Khemka Shot Dead In Bihar Capital

Gopal Khemka, a well-known businessman and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Bihar, was shot dead outside his residence in Patna late on July 4, 2025. The incident occurred around 11 PM near the upscale Panache Hotel in the Gandhi Maidan area, as Khemka was stepping out of his car after returning home. Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at close range, killing him instantly before fleeing the scene.

Khemka was a prominent figure in Patna's business and social circles. He owned Magadh Hospital, one of the oldest private healthcare institutions in Bihar, and also served as a director of the prestigious Bankipore Club.

Police recovered a bullet and a shell casing from the site of the shooting and have cordoned off the area for forensic examination. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage from nearby cameras in an effort to identify the attackers. As of now, the motive behind the killing remains unknown.

Family members of the deceased have alleged that police arrived at the crime scene between 1.5 to 3 hours after the incident, raising concerns about the efficiency of the law enforcement response.

The murder has sparked a political firestorm in Bihar, with opposition leaders, including MP Pappu Yadav, slamming the Nitish Kumar-led government for failing to maintain law and order. Critics have also drawn attention to the unsolved 2018 murder of Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, who was similarly gunned down in Patna. The parallels between the two killings have further intensified public concern.

With Bihar assembly elections on the horizon, the killing has amplified fears over public safety and deepened scrutiny of the state's policing and political leadership. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.