Business Rival Behind Businessman Gopal Khemka Murder? Patna Police Arrest Iron Rod Trader in Contract Killing Plot

Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 07:44 IST

According to sources, Umesh Yadav—believed to be a sharpshooter from the Ajay Verma gang—had accepted a supari (contract) worth ₹3.3 lakh from Ashok Kumar Sao to eliminate Khemka.

Gopal Khemka shot dead in Patna (Photo: X, PTI)

In a breakthrough in the high-profile murder of Bihar businessman Gopal Khemka, the Patna Police have arrested Ashok Kumar Sao, a local iron rod trader, for allegedly hiring a contract killer to carry out the assassination. The arrest was made after police, along with accused shooter Umesh Yadav, raided a flat in Udayagiri Apartments on Monday.

According to sources, Umesh Yadav—believed to be a sharpshooter from the Ajay Verma gang—had accepted a supari (contract) worth ₹3.3 lakh from Ashok Kumar Sao to eliminate Khemka. Police tracked Sao to Flat 601 in Udayagiri Apartments, where he was arrested after being identified by Umesh. A pistol and motorcycle used in the murder were also recovered from the scene, adding crucial evidence to the case.

Ashok Kumar Sao was previously a tenant in the house of Suman Nayak, the chartered accountant of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, before shifting to Udayagiri Apartments. Police suspect business rivalry as a possible motive, and sources indicate that a significant revelation in the case is expected soon from Patna Police.

The Murder of Gopal Khemka

On the night of July 4, prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead around 11:40 PM outside his residence in the Gandhi Maidan area of Patna. CCTV footage showed a man in a blue shirt loitering near the gate. Moments later, a maroon car pulled up. As Khemka was stepping out of his vehicle, the man ran toward him and opened fire at point-blank range. He fled the scene on a motorbike, which police now believe belonged to the assailants.

Investigators suspect the murder was a planned execution involving multiple individuals, including two suspected spotters who tracked Khemka’s movements. The shocking killing sparked widespread outrage, with the victim’s brother, Shankar Khemka, blaming police for delayed action—claiming officers arrived nearly three hours after the incident.

Patna Police say further disclosures will be made soon, potentially unravelling the broader conspiracy and the role of other accomplices in what appears to be a calculated, contract killing.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

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