Gopal Khemka murder: Man who 'supplied weapon to shooter' gunned down in Patna encounter - what we know so far
PATNA: A dreaded criminal suspected to be involved in the murder of industrialist Gopal Khemka was gunned down by police during an encounter in the early hours of Tuesday at Damaria Ghat in the Patna City area.
The accused, identified as Vikas alias Raja (30), a resident of Malsalami, had a long history of serious criminal offences, including multiple murder, loot, and arms cases.
Police said he was believed to have supplied the weapon used in the high-profile assassination of Khemka, who was shot dead outside his Gandhi Maidan residence on July 4.
Encounter at dawn
According to senior superintendent of police Kartikeya K Sharma, police had received specific intelligence regarding Raja’s location. Acting on the tip-off, a team comprising personnel from the Special Task Force (STF) and Patna Police reached Damaria Ghat around 2.25am.
“As soon as the police team reached the spot, Raja attempted to flee while opening fire at the officers. In retaliatory firing, he was shot. No policemen were injured,” said SSP Sharma.
The accused was hit by three bullets and later declared dead at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) after being taken there for treatment.
Weapon recovered
A country-made pistol, along with one live and one spent cartridge, was recovered from the encounter site. Police officials believe this weapon is similar to the one used in Khemka’s murder and may have been supplied by Raja to the shooter.
Just a day earlier, police had arrested Umesh Rai, the alleged shooter in the Khemka case, and another suspect from Malsalami during a joint STF and Patna Police operation.
According to Malsalami SHO Rajkumar Singh, Raja had an extensive criminal background: he was involved in at least four murders, several loot and dacoity cases, and violations under the Arms Act.
“He fired at the police when they approached him for questioning. In the crossfire, he was hit and later succumbed to injuries,” the SHO said.
The murder of Gopal Khemka had sent shockwaves across the business community. His son had also been shot dead in Hajipur in a separate incident seven years ago.
The accused, identified as Vikas alias Raja (30), a resident of Malsalami, had a long history of serious criminal offences, including multiple murder, loot, and arms cases.
Police said he was believed to have supplied the weapon used in the high-profile assassination of Khemka, who was shot dead outside his Gandhi Maidan residence on July 4.
Encounter at dawn
According to senior superintendent of police Kartikeya K Sharma, police had received specific intelligence regarding Raja’s location. Acting on the tip-off, a team comprising personnel from the Special Task Force (STF) and Patna Police reached Damaria Ghat around 2.25am.
“As soon as the police team reached the spot, Raja attempted to flee while opening fire at the officers. In retaliatory firing, he was shot. No policemen were injured,” said SSP Sharma.
The accused was hit by three bullets and later declared dead at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) after being taken there for treatment.
Weapon recovered
A country-made pistol, along with one live and one spent cartridge, was recovered from the encounter site. Police officials believe this weapon is similar to the one used in Khemka’s murder and may have been supplied by Raja to the shooter.
Just a day earlier, police had arrested Umesh Rai, the alleged shooter in the Khemka case, and another suspect from Malsalami during a joint STF and Patna Police operation.
According to Malsalami SHO Rajkumar Singh, Raja had an extensive criminal background: he was involved in at least four murders, several loot and dacoity cases, and violations under the Arms Act.
“He fired at the police when they approached him for questioning. In the crossfire, he was hit and later succumbed to injuries,” the SHO said.
The murder of Gopal Khemka had sent shockwaves across the business community. His son had also been shot dead in Hajipur in a separate incident seven years ago.
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