Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday convened a high-level review meeting on law and order in the wake of the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka, warning police officials that any laxity in tackling crime will not be tolerated.
Chairing the meeting with the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) and senior police officers, CM Nitish demanded swift and thorough investigations, particularly into the circumstances surrounding Khemka’s killing.
“The reasons for the crime must be fully investigated,” CM Nitish said, directing officers to identify the perpetrators and ensure strict action without any discrimination. “If there is any conspiracy behind the incident, it should also be investigated. Law and order is the top priority of the government. Whoever commits the crime, they should not be spared at any cost.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that criminal investigations should proceed quickly so that culprits can be brought to justice in a timely manner, and urged the police and administration to work diligently to preserve law and order.
The murder has sparked political controversy in the election year, with the opposition sharpening its criticism of the government’s handling of security. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav questioned how such a killing could take place just 500 metres from Gandhi Maidan police station, highlighting the earlier murder of Khemka’s son six years ago and raising concerns over why the family was not provided with adequate security.
Meanwhile, police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Khemka’s murder and are conducting raids to apprehend those responsible. CCTV footage has emerged showing the businessman being shot in the head at 11.38pm on Friday by assailants on a motorcycle who fled the scene.
