Patna: Patna’s business community is living in fear after mart owner Vikram Jha was shot dead on Friday night. Jha, who was from Darbhanga, was killed at his home in the Zakariapur area under Ramakrishna Nagar police station. His murder comes just days after trader Gopal Khemka was shot dead in the city.
Patna East City SP Parichay Kumar confirmed the murder and said the police were investigating all possible angles, including business rivalry. He added that the police had found some clues but could not share details yet as it might disturb the investigation. Officers are checking CCTV footage to identify the attackers.
Vikram Jha’s mart had become very popular among locals in recent months. People described him as a quiet and hardworking man. His death has angered many business owners, who now demand stronger security in their areas. Trade groups have asked the police to increase patrolling to stop such crimes.
This is the third murder of a businessman in Patna this month. Trader Gopal Khemka was killed on July 4, school operator Ajit Kumar on July 6, sand trader Ramanand Yadav on July 10, and now mart owner Vikram Jha. Many traders say they are scared to open their shops, fearing they might be the next target.
