Business community raises alarm over recent high-profile killings across state

Time of India

4 hours ago

Patna: A recent surge in criminal incidents across Bihar, particularly the brutal murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka, has triggered widespread concern. Alarming statistics and a string of high-profile killings have shaken the police.
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Khemka, a well-known businessman and owner of Magadh Hospital, was shot dead around 11.45pm on July 4 at the main gate of his apartment in the Gandhi Maidan police station area of Patna. The murder has not only exposed glaring security lapses in the capital but also drawn attention to a disturbing and escalating pattern of violence targeting businesspersons across the state.
In just the first half of 2025, at least eight prominent members of Bihar's business community have fallen victim to fatal attacks.
These include real estate developer Anjani Singh, who was gunned down near the Kandap PACS warehouse in Patna; land dealer Razi Ahmad, killed in Nalanda; and Bhagalpur-based grocery merchant Vinay Gupta, who was shot by masked men. Other victims include real estate businessman Ramesh Chandra in Muzaffarpur, jeweller Sanjay Agarwal in Gaya, hospital owner Surbhi in Patna, and cloth merchant Vinod Mehta in Bhagalpur.
The statistics are chilling. From Jan to May 2025 alone, Patna recorded 116 murders, averaging one killing every 25 hours. The capital also saw 48 robberies, 36 rapes, 10 incidents of dacoity, 33 cases of chain snatching and 13 instances of extortion. The alarming rise in violent crime prompted a major reshuffle in June with the transfer of the central range inspector general (IG), Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) and three city superintendents of police (city SPs).
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Among the most shocking cases was that of Anjani Singh, a land dealer who was shot dead on the night of June 22 near the Kandap PACS warehouse on the Sohgi-Kandap road in Punpun, Patna. Singh was attacked by bike-borne assailants who shot him at close range below the neck.
On June 19, land dealer Razi Ahmad was murdered in Panhesa village of Nalanda district. Police arrested five suspects in connection with the case and recovered the weapon used in the killing.
Earlier on May 4, Vinay Gupta, a grocery store owner, was shot dead by masked criminals in the Naugachia Market area of Bhagalpur's Hadia Patti. While an investigation is underway, no arrests have been made so far.
In another high-profile case, Ramesh Chandra, a real estate businessman, was shot outside his office in Muzaffarpur in March. Police managed to arrest two suspects, though the key conspirator remains at large.
On March 22, Surbhi, the director of a private hospital in Patna, was shot dead inside her office chamber. Her husband and several others have been arrested in connection with her murder.
April saw the killing of Gaya-based jeweller Sanjay Agarwal, who was murdered during a robbery at his shop. The incident is believed to be linked to extortion threats he had received.
In Jan, Bhagalpur cloth merchant Vinod Mehta was stabbed to death near his residence.
Investigators suspect motives of extortion or personal enmity.
The killings have sent shockwaves through the state's business community. President of the Bihar Industries Association, K P S Keshari, expressed serious concern over the spate of attacks. "We demand police patrolling to be increased in commercial and sensitive areas. A secure and favourable environment for industries in the state. The intelligence network should be strengthened. Intensive police checks should be arranged at the entry and exit points of the city," he said.