Patna: The Patna police will recreate the scene of businessman Gopal Khemka’s murder on the third day of police remand, as investigations have so far yielded little progress. The entire reconstruction will be videographed and submitted as evidence in court.
Businessman Ashok Saw and alleged shooter Umesh Yadav, both currently in custody, were questioned extensively—separately and face-to-face—at Gandhi Maidan police station. However, according to police sources, their statements remain inconsistent and inconclusive. While Umesh maintains he acted alone and killed Khemka for money, police remain sceptical, citing the high-profile nature of the crime and his lack of a criminal record.
Investigators have not yet found a clear motive, though a land dispute is believed to be central to the case. Umesh, during initial questioning, named Ashok Saw as the one who offered him a Rs 4 lakh contract for the murder, allegedly over a property dispute. He claimed to have received Rs 50,000 in advance, which he used to pay his children’s school fees.
Ashok, however, has denied all allegations, including commissioning the murder or having any enmity with Khemka. When confronted with Umesh’s statement, Ashok remained silent.
The case has now drawn wider attention, with police sending a notice to the Bankipur Club administration where CCTV footage was expected but missing. Officials said no footage backup was available, and the administration has been asked to explain the lapse.
CID officials may now be involved to help document the case diary, and a formal chargesheet is expected soon. Authorities are working to ensure that the statements and video evidence are admissible in court, reducing the risk of either suspect turning hostile during trial.
Records from Ashok Saw’s phone have reportedly revealed multiple recordings relating to land disputes. His name had previously surfaced in high-profile murder cases in Patna, including those of Manoj Kamaliya and Tekriwal.
Police say the murder was planned over a month ago, and the weapon along with 59 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Umesh Yadav’s residence. He was tracked down through citywide CCTV footage that captured his movements before and after the murder.
Another suspect, Vikas alias Raja, who had been detained earlier in the case, was killed in a police encounter the following day.
