Tragic Death of Gopal Khemka

Tragic End to a Remarkable Journey

Gopal Khemka, a well-known Patna-based businessman and BJP leader, was shot dead late on the night of July 4, 2025, near his residence in the upscale Gandhi Maidan area of Patna. Around 11:30–11:40 pm, while he was stepping out of his car in his gated apartment complex near Ramgulam Chowk—adjacent to Hotel Panache—assailants on a motorcycle approached and opened fire at close range. Khemka sustained a head injury and later died at Mediversal Hospital.

Police were alerted and arrived at the scene shortly after. A bullet and a shell casing were recovered, and forensic teams quickly cordoned off the area for investigation. CCTV footage captured the chilling moment of the attack—a lone assailant in a helmet stepping towards Khemka’s car and firing before fleeing on the waiting motorcycle .

From Humble Beginnings to a Business Empire

Khemka was born into a family of entrepreneurs. He began his business journey with a single medicine shop named Aushadhi Medico on Ashok Rajpath in Patna. Over the years, this modest operation grew into multiple branches across the city.

In 1985, he registered GK Cotton in the Hajipur Industrial Area and later diversified into carton manufacturing. He also ventured into real estate, set up a petrol pump on Fraser Road, and finally launched a multi-specialty hospital—Magadh Hospital—in Rajendra Nagar.

His network extended beyond core business: he was associated with the Bankipore Club and remained an influential figure in Patna’s commercial circles.

A Life Marked by Personal Tragedy

This shocking murder occurred nearly six years after his elder son, Gunjan Khemka, was similarly shot dead in 2018 outside his cotton factory in Hajipur. Gunjan, then a BJP leader and convener of the party’s Small Industries Cell in Bihar, was gunned down in a stealthy motorbike attack—even as he was near a police station—and the case remains unresolved.

Khemka’s younger son, Dr Gaurav Khemka, serves as a physician at IGIMS, Patna, and his daughter lives abroad in London. Following his wife’s death, Gopal devoted himself to expanding the family business and supporting his remaining children.

Investigation Deepens and Security Breakdown

In response to the recent killing, Bihar’s Director General of Police announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the City SP (Patna Central), supported by the Special Task Force (STF).

Opposition leaders immediately seized on the incident to criticize the state government’s record: RJD MP Manoj Jha termed Patna’s streets “no‑man’s‑land,” while Pappu Yadav and others accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration of presiding over “jungle raj”—a lawless environment that endangers ordinary citizens.

Questions have been raised about why such a high‑risk target had not been given adequate security—especially after his son’s murder. Claims surfaced that police took nearly three hours to reach the location, according to a guard’s testimony that disputes the official version of rapid police deployment.

Profile of a Philanthropic Businessman

Beyond commerce and politics, Khemka was also known for his philanthropic worldview. Employees spoke of his gestures toward flood victims in Danapur and supporting children in need. A former staffer described him as “like God … my son works in London today because of his help”.

His involvement in healthcare and education made him a recognized public figure. He was also an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, though after Gunjan’s death he reportedly scaled back political ambitions—but never truly stepped away from public life.

A Dark Chapter in Patna’s History

The killing took place shockingly close to law enforcement—just meters from a police station near Gandhi Maidan. Yet, this blatant daylight homicide exposed serious lapses in vigilance. Opposition voices argue the crime symbolizes Bihar’s governance failure and a growing crisis in public safety.

The SIT is currently examining multiple motives, including potential business rivalries, property disputes, and personal vendettas. The local community remains anxious, demanding swift arrests and assurance that such a tragedy won’t be repeated.

Final Reflections

Gopal Khemka’s life story was one of relentless ambition—rising from a sole medicine shop to owning significant enterprises in healthcare, petroleum, real estate, and manufacturing. He navigated profound personal loss yet continued building and contributing to his community. That his life ended in an execution-style murder beside his car, with CCTV capturing its chilling clarity, underscores a grim reality.

His death not only leaves a personal void—a grieving family with scars of two generations lost to violence—but also sends shockwaves through Bihar’s civic conscience. As investigations drag on, there is mounting pressure on authorities to deliver justice and shore up protection for public figures and ordinary citizens alike.

In remembering Khemka, Bihar loses more than a businessman—it loses a mentor, employer, benefactor, and symbol of hope. His legacy now lies in whether his family finds closure and whether justice prevails in a state long overdue for real security reforms.

May Gopal Khemka and his son Gunjan rest in peace.