Patna, July 8 : A key accused in the high-profile murder of Bihar businessman and BJP leader Gopal Khemka was shot dead in a police encounter late Monday night in Patna. The incident has sparked intense political debate just as the JD(U)-BJP government prepares for upcoming state assembly elections.

The accused, identified as Vikas, was one of the individuals suspected in the brutal murder of Gopal Khemka, who was gunned down on July 4 outside his residence near Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Khemka, a well-known industrialist and the owner of Magadh Hospital, was sitting in his car late at night when motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he died from his injuries.

The case drew immediate attention due to its chilling similarity to a previous tragedy involving Khemka’s son, Gunjan Khemka, who was also murdered in 2018 under eerily similar circumstances.

In the days following the murder, Patna Police and the Special Task Force (STF) launched a high-level investigation. On July 7, they arrested Umesh Yadav, believed to be the main shooter. During questioning, Umesh reportedly provided leads that led officers to Vikas, who was said to be his accomplice and had supplied the weapon used in the killing.

Late Monday night, police located Vikas in the Malsalami area of Patna. According to officials, when the police attempted to arrest him, Vikas opened fire on the team. The police returned fire, critically injuring him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead. A pistol, live cartridges, and empty shells were recovered from the scene.

Vikas’s death marks a dramatic development in the case and comes at a time when the state government is already under pressure over law-and-order concerns. Gopal Khemka’s security had reportedly been withdrawn just months before the attack, raising further questions about the administration’s preparedness.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a high-level meeting on July 6 and assured the public that justice would be delivered. He directed police officials to act swiftly and take strict action against anyone involved. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also stated that police were given a “free hand” to deal with the criminals, including the use of encounters if necessary.

The political opposition has seized the moment. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav called the situation “jungle raj,” accusing the ruling alliance of failing to protect citizens. Congress leaders also criticized the state’s law enforcement system, pointing out that high-profile individuals are being targeted in the heart of the capital.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and is reviewing CCTV footage, phone records, and possible links to organized crime. Police have also raided Beur Jail, suspecting that the crime may have been planned from inside the prison.

As the election atmosphere builds, this high-stakes case and the subsequent encounter could play a major role in shaping public sentiment around law and order in Bihar.