Murder of Gopal Khemka Raises Questions on Law and Order in Patna

The charts of crime are on a rise in Patna and the shortcomings of the police have come to light. A well-known industrialist Gopal Khemka was shot dead in the middle of Patna late on Friday night. The entire city was on high alert due to Muharram, the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The police were said to have an eye on every nook and corner of the city. Additional forces were deployed to prevent any lapses in security arrangements. But Khemka’s murder has raised brows at all these claims.

Just a day earlier, ADG Pankaj Darad had claimed in a press conference. He stated that the entire city is being monitored through CCTV cameras. Additional forces are deployed in every district. He stated that he and the officers under him are monitoring from the 24×7 control room. He had said that ‘law and order will not be allowed to deteriorate under any circumstances.’

Also read: Political Tensions Escalate in Bihar After Murders of Two Police Officers in Two Days

Murder in Police Vicinity

The murder of Gopal Khemka took place near Ramgulam Chowk in Gandhi Maidan police station area, which is just 600 meters away from the police station. 

No senior police officer arrived at the spot for more than an hour after the shooting. The police inaction gave rise to both fear and anger among the public.

The family of the deceased has accused the police of negligence. His brother Shankar Khemka said that after the incident, the family itself informed the police. They described where the bullet was fired and where the cartridge fell. He said, ‘We told everything to the police, but they came only to barricade the area with bricks. It seemed as if they had come to watch the drama.’

The testimony of the guard Ram Paras also reveals that the crime occurred very quickly. No one had a chance to understand anything. The attackers fled and the police kept claiming only investigation.

BJP MP Ramkripal Attacks Administration

Former Union Minister and BJP MP Ramkripal Yadav met the Khemka family after the incident. said that the murder of both father and son in six years reflects administrative failure. He demanded a serious investigation and speedy trial from the state government to punish the culprits.

Ramkripal also raised questions on the police administration. He said, ‘It is shameful that such a big incident takes place in the centre of the capital. The police does not reach on time. Now the government will have to give a strict message that the criminals will not be spared under any circumstances.’

Changing Leaders, Unchanging Realities

Recently, Patna SSP Avkash Kumar was removed and Kartikeya Sharma was given the responsibility in his place. It was in hopes that law and order would improve and the increasing crimes would be curbed. But the murder of Gopal Khemka made it clear that the situation does not improve just by changing the leadership. Administrative negligence and the law and order situation at the ground level remain the same.

At present, the FSL team is collecting evidence from the spot and CCTV footage is being analyzed. Town DSP-2 Prakash says that the investigation is ongoing, but the police have not yet found any concrete clue. The case highlights the weak police administration and the high crime rates of the city. It is necessary to improve accountability. The system on the ground needs strengthening. A ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards crime should be implemented.

If a reputed industrialist can be murdered in broad daylight on the streets of the capital and the police can remain a silent spectator, then what will happen to the safety of common citizens? 

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