Businessman Gopal Khemka shot dead: CCTV shows chilling moment of attack; Prashant Kishor slams Bihar govt, says ‘No difference between Lalu’s jungle raj and Nitish’s rule’

NEW DELHI: A CCTV video has surfaced showing the moment businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead near his home close to Gandhi Maidan in Patna late Friday night. The chilling footage captures a bike-borne assailant opening fire on Khemka before fleeing the scene, police said on Saturday. The murder occurred around 11pm on July 4, just metres away from Khemka’s home. Senior officers said one bullet and a shell were recovered from the spot. The footage is now a crucial part of the investigation.Confirming the incident, Patna SP Diksha said, “We received information that businessman Gopal Khemka has been shot dead in the southern area of Gandhi Maidan. The crime scene has been secured. One bullet and one shell have been recovered. Further investigation is underway.”In response to the high-profile killing, DGP Vinay Kumar announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to fast-track the case. The SIT will be led by the SP City Central, he said.Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor hit out at the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government over the murder, calling the state’s law and order situation no better than the “jungle raj” under former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. “There is no difference between Lalu Yadav's jungle raj and Nitish Kumar's rule,” Kishor said while speaking to reporters. “During Lalu Yadav's rule, there was a rampage by criminals, and in Nitish Kumar's rule, there is a rampage by officials.” Kishor pointed to the growing incidents of violent crime and official inaction. “In Patna, such a prominent businessman is shot dead, and no action is taken. Just yesterday in Siwan, three people were shot. This is a daily occurrence.” Slamming the Nitish administration for unchecked corruption and the alleged impunity of government officials, he said, “The kind of corruption and law-and-order situation that existed before is still the same now. It’s the rule of officials, running things as they please.” Khemka, who was involved in real estate and other businesses, was well known in Patna’s trading circles. While the motive behind the murder is still unclear, police are examining business rivalries, personal enmities and past threats as possible angles. The shooting comes six years after Khemka's son, Gunjan Khemka, a BJP leader and state convener of the party’s small industries cell, was also shot dead in a similar targeted attack at his Hajipur factory in 2018. More details are expected as the SIT begins examining the CCTV footage, collecting witness statements, and reviewing the victim's recent activities.