Patna businessman's murder: Could jail inmates have masterminded the attack from inside prison?

The murder of prominent Patna-based businessman Gopal Khemka has triggered a sweeping police crackdown, including a high-intensity raid inside Beur Central Jail, as investigators probe whether the killing was coordinated by criminals lodged within prison walls. The police suspect that the assailants who shot Khemka at close range may have been in contact with inmates from the jail.

On Saturday afternoon, a joint team of officers from 14 police stations conducted a 90-minute search of the jail, interrogated around 100 inmates, and seized three mobile phones, SIM cards, a data cable and a handwritten note carrying several phone numbers. These materials are now being examined for clues that could lead to the masterminds behind the crime.

Police believe that the attackers may have tracked Khemka's movements and conducted prior surveillance before striking. CCTV footage is being analysed, and technical data is under review.

Could past rivalries or organised crime be behind the killing?

Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an old enmity linked to land or business disputes. Gopal Khemka's son, Gunjan, was murdered in 2018 in Hajipur under similar circumstances, allegedly over a property issue. The police are now exploring whether Friday's killing is connected to that unresolved episode.

Khemka, a respected figure in Bihar’s business circles, was involved in cotton manufacturing, fuel retail, real estate, and healthcare. Despite his social stature, his personal security — which had been in place since his son's murder — was reportedly withdrawn in April 2024. He had not requested its renewal.

The FIR, registered on a complaint by his younger son Gaurav, does not name any suspect. However, police officials have said that “some suspicious persons” have been identified and the probe is advancing on multiple leads.

Political reactions: a state on edge before elections

The incident has fuelled a fierce political storm in Bihar, where assembly elections are just months away. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the NDA government, claiming Bihar has become “India’s crime capital” under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP.

Gandhi’s remarks came through a post on social media, where he said murders, loot, and gun violence had become the “new normal” in the state. He urged voters to seek change, arguing that a government that cannot protect its citizens does not deserve their trust.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who visited the bereaved family, said stronger action was needed from law enforcement. Union Minister Chirag Paswan and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also condemned the incident, calling it a failure of the government’s law and order machinery.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, during his visit to the family, said the killing was more than just a murder — it was an attack on the state’s legal order. He assured that the culprits would be caught soon and warned of possible police encounters if needed.

CM’s response and what comes next

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has chaired a high-level meeting on the law and order situation and ordered quick resolution of the case. He also warned of strict action against any police personnel found negligent.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under SP (Central) Diksha. The team is working with the Special Task Force and other technical units to uncover the full chain of events. Senior police officials, including DGP Vinay Kumar and IG Jitendra Rana, are personally overseeing developments.