The main accused in the sensational murder of Bihar-based industrialist Gopal Khemka was killed in a police encounter on Tuesday morning in the Malsalami area of Patna City. The deceased, identified as Vikas alias Raja, allegedly opened fire on the police team when they arrived at his residence for interrogation, prompting retaliation. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikey Sharma, Raja was a known arms supplier and was believed to have provided the weapon used in Khemka’s murder at the request of Umesh alias Vijay Yadav—already in police custody and a former associate of gangster Ajay Verma.

Police say the investigation has revealed that a ₹10 lakh contract was placed for Khemka’s murder, of which ₹1 lakh had already been paid. Umesh, suspected to be the shooter, was arrested a day prior from the same locality. During his interrogation, he disclosed critical leads including Raja’s involvement, which led to the fatal encounter. Officials also recovered several incriminating items from Umesh, including the murder weapon, a motorbike used in the crime, 80 live cartridges, two mobile phones, and ₹1 lakh in cash. A weapon was also recovered near the riverbank, believed to be part of the crime cache.

The murder of Gopal Khemka on July 4 shocked the business community and public alike, especially given the eerie similarity to his son Gunjan Khemka’s murder six years ago. With the arrest of over a dozen suspects and continuing raids, including at Udaygiri Apartment and near Patna Junction, police are piecing together a network of organised crime involving contract killing and illegal arms trade. Meanwhile, Khemka’s family has sought police protection amid growing concerns over their safety. Top police officials have assured that all angles are being investigated and appealed to the public to avoid speculation as the case unfolds.