Gopal Khemka murder: Two persons arrested; police suspect business rivalry as motive
Police personnel during an investigation at an area where businessman Gopal Khemka was allegedly shot dead | PTI
Bihar Police said they have arrested two persons in connection with the murder of Patna-based businessman Gopal Khemka who was shot dead outside his residence in the city on Friday.
According to reports, those arrested were identified as Umesh Yadav, a sharpshooter who allegedly opened fire at Khemka, and Ashok Kumar Sao, a local iron rod trader.
"Both persons have been held in Patna by a joint team of Special Task Force and Patna Police. The investigation is in progress. We will be able to divulge more details in due course," an officer told reporters.
Police have recovered a pistol and a motorcycle used in the murder.
Quoting sources, News18 reported that Umesh Yadav had accepted a supari (contract) worth ₹3.3 lakh from Ashok Kumar Sao to eliminate Khemka.
Police suspect business rivalry could be a possible motive for the murder.
Khemka was returning home in his car when the bike-borne assailant opened fire at him in the Gandhi Maidan locality. The incident came seven years after his son was gunned down by miscreants in Hajipur.
The murder of Khemka has sparked off a political storm in Bihar—which goes to polls later this year—with the opposition parties alleging that law and order has collapsed in the state.
"Seven years ago, Khemka's son, Gunjan, was also shot and killed by criminals protected by those in power, but the killers are still at large. What is the conviction rate of the Bihar Police? How are those who murdered Gunjan roaming freely on bail?" Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav asked.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi also targeted the state government, saying both BJP and Nitish Kumar have turned Bihar into the crime capital of India.
India