Bihar industrialist Gopal Khemka was gunned down outside his Patna residence on July 4, in what police have now confirmed was a contract killing tied to a bitter business rivalry. The investigation has pointed to Ashok Sahu, a businessman from Nalanda, who allegedly paid ₹10 lakh to have Khemka eliminated after a long-standing feud.
According to police sources, tensions between Khemka and Sahu escalated during the Bankipore Club elections last year. In one confrontation, Sahu reportedly snatched a guard's firearm and pointed it at Khemka, threatening to “teach him a lesson.” The latest development suggests that Sahu followed through on that threat by hiring professional shooters.
On the night of the murder, a gunman approached Khemka’s car and fired multiple rounds, killing him instantly before escaping. Khemka, a well-known businessman and owner of Magadh Hospital, had previously lost his son in a similar targeted attack six years ago.
The investigation advanced swiftly with the arrest of Umesh Yadav, the alleged shooter and an associate of gangster Ajay Verma. During interrogation, Yadav confessed to the contract and named Vikas alias Raja as the arms supplier. Police later tracked Raja to the Malsalami area of Patna. In an attempted arrest, he opened fire on the police and was killed in retaliatory firing.
Authorities recovered a pistol, ammunition, and cash from the suspects. Several others have been detained as the probe widens.
The murder has sparked political outrage, with Opposition parties accusing the JD(U)-BJP government of failing to maintain law and order. The high-profile case comes just months before state elections, intensifying criticism of the Nitish Kumar-led administration.
In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held an emergency meeting with senior officials, calling for a thorough and swift investigation. He reiterated that maintaining the rule of law is a top government priority and warned of strict action against any lapses.