Title: Businessman Gopal Khemka Murder Case: Accused Shot Dead in Bihar Police Encounter

A major twist has emerged in the high-profile murder case of Patna-based industrialist Gopal Khemka. One of the key accused in the case, Vikas alias Raja, was killed in a police encounter late Monday night, as confirmed by Bihar Police. The dramatic turn of events has raised serious questions about law enforcement methods, public safety, and the increasing boldness of criminal elements in Bihar.

The Encounter: What Happened?

According to the official police statement, the encounter took place near Pir Damariya Ghat around 2:45 AM, about 2 km from Malsalami Police Station in Patna. Vikas, aged 29, reportedly attacked the police team, prompting them to open fire in self-defense. He was killed on the spot. Police recovered a pistol, live cartridges, and spent shells from the site. His body was sent to a government hospital in Patna for postmortem.

Vikas was not just an accused in the Gopal Khemka murder case—he was also believed to be involved in the illegal weapons trade. According to police, he was with the shooter Umesh on the night Khemka was killed.

Background: Who Was Gopal Khemka?

Gopal Khemka was a well-known businessman in Patna. He was shot dead outside his residence in the Gandhi Maidan area late Friday night. The incident sent shockwaves across Bihar, especially as it came seven years after his son was also murdered in Hajipur.

He was attacked by bike-borne assailants at 11:40 PM, just outside the gate of his house. The boldness of the killing raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in the state.

The Investigation So Far

The Bihar Police, along with the Special Task Force (STF), acted swiftly and arrested two individuals, including the alleged shooter Umesh. The encounter of Vikas came just a day after these arrests. Sources also suggest that police are probing links between the murder and jailed criminals. In fact, Beur Central Jail was raided as part of the investigation, adding another layer of intrigue to the case.

Political Response

JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan defended the encounter, stating that the accused tried to attack the police team and that the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is closely monitoring the situation. "Police killed an accused who attacked them. Law enforcement is doing its job under CM Nitish Kumar's watch," he said.

Public Opinion: Is This Justice?

The encounter has sparked debates across social media and news channels. While some hail the swift action by the police, others are questioning the legality and ethics of police encounters. A poll by local outlets asked: "Do you think police encounters are an effective way to deal with serious criminals?"—and responses have been sharply divided.

Final Thoughts

The murder of Gopal Khemka and the killing of an accused in a police encounter highlight the complex and often dangerous nature of crime in Bihar. While swift police action may reassure the public, it also raises questions about due process and accountability.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the state needs to take strong steps to ensure safety for all, especially those who have already suffered the trauma of violent crime in the past.

Reference from- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/businessman-gopal-khemka-murder-accused-killed-in-police-encounter-in-bihar-was-suspected-conspirator-in-case/articleshow/122309743.cms