Gopal Khemka Murder: Police guns down weapon supplier in an encounter

In a significant development in the murder case of prominent Bihar industrialist Gopal Khemka, the primary accused, Vikas alias Raja, was shot dead in an encounter with the police on Tuesday morning in Patna. The incident unfolded in the Malsalami area of Patna City when a police team arrived at Raja's residence for interrogation in connection with Khemka's murder. This marks a crucial turn in the investigation into the high-profile killing of Gopal Khemka, who was gunned down outside his residence on July 4, years after his son met a similar fate.

According to Patna Senior SP Kartikey Sharma, the encounter ensued when Raja opened fire at the police team. In the ensuing gun battle, the accused was neutralized. While Raja's direct connection to the murder is still under full investigation, police had gone to question him due to his suspected role as a supplier of illegal weapons. He is believed to have provided the weapon used in Khemka's murder at the behest of Umesh alias Vijay Yadav, who is already in police custody.

Sharma further elaborated that Vikas alias Raja had a criminal history, with previous involvement in contract killings and arms supply. In the context of Gopal Khemka's murder, Raja is alleged to be the individual who supplied the arms and ammunition to Umesh, the shooter. The investigating authorities are meticulously piecing together this chain of events.

Umesh, identified as a former shooter for gangster Ajay Verma (currently lodged in Beur jail), was apprehended on Monday from the same Malasalami area in Patna City. Following his arrest, police conducted extensive nightlong raids based on information gleaned from his interrogation.