Patna: The city fell into a stunned silence on Sunday as friends, family, and members of the business community gathered to bid farewell to Gopal Khemka, a prominent industrialist who was fatally shot near his residence on Friday night.
The somber procession began from Khemka’s home, where his body was carried on the shoulders of grieving relatives and well-wishers. His daughter, Garima Poddar, who flew in from Scotland, was seen breaking down in tears upon seeing her father’s body. Her repeated cries of “Papa… Papa…” echoed through the gathering, leaving many in tears.
The cremation took place at Gulbi Ghat around 4pm, with Khemka’s son, Gaurav Khemka, performing the last rites. Business leaders and local residents had started arriving at his residence from early afternoon, forming a large and emotional crowd. Many expressed anger and frustration over what they described as a brazen attack in an increasingly unsafe environment.
“The women were crying, but the men’s silence held just as much pain — and fury,” said one of the mourners. “How can someone be shot dead near his home and the killer simply walks away?”
The murder has triggered widespread outrage across Bihar’s business circles. Leaders from the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Bihar Industries Association paid their respects, with a steady flow of visitors seen at the Khemka family’s Kataruka residence. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Minister Nitin Naveen, and several senior figures including former BIA president Ram Lal Khetan and CAT National Vice President Kamal Nopani were among those present.
In a show of collective anger, the Bihar Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan held a meeting on Sunday, chaired by Vice President Basudev Sarraf, demanding swift action. The community gave the government an ultimatum until Monday to make arrests, calling for a fast-track trial and the death penalty for the perpetrators.
Suggestions for protest ranged from a one-day bandh and demonstrations to sit-ins and a memorandum to the Chief Minister. “This can’t become the new normal,” said Kamal Nopani. “Immediate arrests must be made.” Others, including businessman Sadanand Agarwal, called for arms licenses to be issued for self-defence amid growing safety concerns.
