A young industrialist, Gunjan Khemka, was shot dead on Thursday at the gate of his factory in Hajipur near Patna. He had been receiving extortion and threat calls for the last six months.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Manavjeet Singh Dhillion said: “An unidentified criminal fired at Gunjan Khemka when he was waiting outside the gate of his factory in industrial area of Hajipur…three rounds were fired at him and he was declared dead when taken to the local hospital…his driver Manoj Ravidas too has received gunshot injuries”.
Gunjan Khemka, 38, owned G.K. Cotton factory at Hajipur in Vaishali district and his father Gopal Khemka, too, is a big businessman of the State. The family is said to be owners of a big hospital, medical stores and a private school in Patna.
Gopal Khemka is the State convener of small industries cell of BJP in Bihar.
Family members of the Gunjan told journalists that he and his wife have been receiving extortion calls for the last six months. “He had lodged a complaint regarding this at the local Gandhi Maidan police station but no action was taken…had the police acted upon his complaint, he would have been alive today,” said a family member requesting anonymity.
Traders shocked
Meanwhile, the daylight murder of Gunjan Khemka has sent a shock wave among the business community of the State. Some local BJP leaders too reached his residence to offer condolences. “I would request to the government to act swiftly…the culprits must be booked soon”, said local BJP MLA Nitin Navin.
Opposition leaders slammed the Nitish Kumar government for complete failure on the law and order front in the State. “Everyday people are being killed, looted and raped in Bihar…but there is no one to look after…governance has collapsed in the State,” charged RJD leader and party spokesperson Bhai Birendra.
