Just a week after the sensational murder of businessman Gopal Khemka outside his Patna residence, the city has been rocked by yet another killing—this time of BJP leader Surendra Kewat. The 52-year-old, a former president of the Punpun BJP Kisan Morcha, was gunned down late Saturday night by two unidentified assailants on a motorbike in Sheikhpura village under the Pipra police station limits.
Kewat was working in his fields when the attackers fired four bullets at him before fleeing the scene. Locals rushed him to AIIMS Patna, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The killing has sparked a political uproar in Bihar, intensifying scrutiny of the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government’s handling of law and order. With two high-profile murders in just over a week, public anxiety and political tension are on the rise.
Senior BJP leaders, including local MLA Gopal Ravidas and former minister Shyam Rajak, visited AIIMS Patna to meet Kewat’s grieving family. They urged officials to expedite formalities for the final rites.
Police have launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying forensic teams and conducting raids in search of the culprits. Statements from Kewat’s family have been recorded, but the motive for the murder remains unclear. Authorities have promised swift action and justice.
The incident has triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “And now, a BJP leader shot dead in Patna! Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to listen to the truth or admit their mistakes?” The Congress also condemned the incident and questioned the state’s rising crime graph.
In response, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi accused the opposition of shielding criminals and reiterated the government’s commitment to cracking down on crime.
As Bihar heads into an election cycle, the back-to-back murders have become a major political flashpoint, raising uncomfortable questions for the ruling coalition and alarming the public about safety and justice in the state.