‘India’s crime capital’: Rahul Gandhi rips into Bihar govt over Patna businessman Gopal Khemka’s murder
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‘India’s crime capital’: Rahul Gandhi rips into Bihar govt over Patna businessman Gopal Khemka’s murder
Gopal Khemka, a well-known businessman in Patna, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on July 5. The murder has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over law and order in the state. Local residents and business leaders have expressed fear and frustration, citing a rise in violent crimes and a lack of effective policing. Opposition parties, including the Congress and RJD, have repeatedly accused the BJP and Nitish Kumar of failing to curb and protect citizens. The death has intensified public demands for accountability and for stronger law and law enforcement. The opposition has often defended its efforts to crack down on criminal networks, citing efforts to modernise the police force and crackdown on criminal gangs. The Congress leader has called for an urgent change, stating that crime has become the “new normal” in Bihar and that the government has failed to ensure the safety of its citizens. “Every murder, every loot, every bullet – is a cry for change. Now is the time for a new Bihar – where there is no fear, only progress,” Gandhi wrote.
In a strongly worded tweet in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi called for an urgent change, stating that crime has become the “new normal” in Bihar and that the government has failed to ensure the safety of its citizens.
पटना में व्यवसायी गोपाल खेमका की सरेआम गोली मारकर हत्या ने एक बार फिर साबित कर दिया है – भाजपा और नीतीश कुमार ने मिलकर बिहार को “भारत की क्राइम कैपिटल” बना दिया है। आज बिहार लूट, गोली और हत्या के साए में जी रहा है। अपराध यहां ‘नया नॉर्मल’ बन चुका है – और सरकार पूरी तरह नाकाम।… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 6, 2025
“The brazen murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna has once again proven – the BJP and Nitish Kumar together have turned Bihar into India’s crime capital,” Gandhi wrote
Adding to that Gandhi wrote, “Brothers and sisters of Bihar, this injustice can no longer be tolerated. A government that cannot ensure the safety of your children cannot be entrusted with your future either.”
As Bihar moves closer to elections, Gandhi also subtly campaigned for himself in the same tweet. “Every murder, every loot, every bullet – is a cry for change. Now is the time for a new Bihar – where there is no fear, only progress. This time, the vote is not just to change the government, but to save Bihar.”
On July 5, Gopal Khemka, a well-known businessman in Patna, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified assailants. The murder, which took place in a busy area, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over law and order in the state. Local residents and business leaders have expressed fear and frustration, citing a rise in violent crimes and a lack of effective policing.
Back in 2018, Gopal’s son, Gunjan Khemka, who was a BJP leader and the state convener of the party’s small industries cell, was also shot dead in a similar manner at his cotton bandage factory in Hajipur.
Rising crime and political tensions in Bihar
Bihar has witnessed a series of high-profile crimes in recent months, fueling criticism of the state government’s handling of law and order. Opposition parties, including the Congress and RJD, have repeatedly accused the BJP-JD(U) alliance of failing to curb violence and protect citizens.
The state’s crime statistics have become a major issue ahead of the upcoming elections, with political leaders trading barbs over responsibility and solutions.
Political reactions and public sentiment
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks echo a broader opposition narrative that the current government is unable to maintain peace and security. The Bihar government has often defended its record, citing efforts to modernise the police force and crack down on criminal networks.
The murder of Gopal Khemka has intensified public demands for accountability and reform, with many calling for swift justice and stronger law enforcement.