One of the accused in the Gopal Khemka Murder case has been killed in an encounter

New Delhi (India) July 8: According to officials, a crucial suspect in the murder of well-known Patna businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead during a confrontation with the police on Tuesday morning. The incident happened in Patna City's Mal Salami area when police officers were trying to catch the suspect.

Police claim that Raja was connected to the case's main suspect, shooter Umesh and that he provided the weapon that killed Khemka.

Bihar Police said, "Wanted criminal Vikas aka Raja was killed in a police encounter near Damaiya ghat around 2.45 am. One pistol, one bullet and a cartridge were recovered from the site. The body has been sent to Nalanda Medical College, Patna, for post-mortem," in an official statement.

According to police, Raja opened fire as a squad arrived to catch him, which led to retaliatory shooting that resulted in his death. Officers found expended shells, live ammunition and a revolver at the scene of the confrontation. A post-mortem has been ordered for Raja's body.

Patna senior SP Kartikey Sharma said, “Raja opened fire at the police after which the accused was shot in the ensuing gun battle. The connection of Raja is yet to be fully established, but the police had gone to question him for his dubious role, as he came across as a supplier of illegal weapons and he is suspected to have made available the weapon used in the murder at the behest of Umesh alias Vijay Yadav, who is in the police net” in a statement.

According to sources, Umesh, the primary suspect, was taken into custody on Monday in Patna. Umesh was picked up by the special investigation team (SIT) when he was returning back after dropping his kids at home.

Neeraj Kumar, a BJP leader said that the gunman was employed by a political figure to commit the murder.

During his interrogation, Umesh informed the police that he had been paid ₹1 lakh towards the ₹10 lakh contract for the murder. It is also said that a weapon was found by the police on the side of the river.

After questioning Umesh, police conducted raids at other locations such as Udaygiri Apartment and arrested three individuals from the Patna Junction area.

Vinay Kumar, the director general of police (DGP) of Bihar had announced on Monday that 12 suspects in the murder of industrialist Khemka had been taken into custody by the police to be questioned.

Khemka's family has requested police protection during this time. Six years ago, Khemka's son Gunjan Khemka was also killed in a similar manner.

Police think that Khemka's murder was carefully planned and carried out with the help of several supporters, including spotters who followed the businessman about on July 4.

Khemka, a well known businessman was shot dead just after getting out of his car at approximately 11:40 p.m. outside his Gandhi Maidan home.

Aadrika Tayal