Business Community in Bihar Mourns M*rder of Prominent Industrialist Gopal Khemka

The brutal murder of renowned industrialist Gopal Khemka has sent shockwaves through the business community of Bihar, sparking widespread outrage and grief among traders and entrepreneurs.

In response to the tragedy, the Nalanda Chamber of Commerce and Industries organized a condolence and tribute meeting at a private hall in Bihar Sharif. The session was presided over by Anil Kumar Akela, President of the Chamber, who paid homage to the late Gopal Khemka and expressed deep sympathy for his family.

“Gopal Khemka was a leading figure in Nalanda’s business world. His murder has shaken the entire society. We no longer feel safe in our own state. Criminals are so emboldened that murders are happening in broad daylight, and the business community feels helpless,” Akela said.

He urged the government to make the process of obtaining weapon licenses for traders simpler and faster, so they can protect themselves and their assets. The meeting was attended by numerous local traders, social workers, and intellectuals, all of whom observed a two-minute silence in memory of the deceased and expressed condolences to his family.

The murder took place last Friday, adding to a growing list of attacks on businesspeople in Bihar. “This government has failed to provide security to entrepreneurs, despite having the support of the business community. Since coming to power, there have been several murders and robberies targeting traders across Bihar, including here in Nalanda and nearby Dumrama village,” said another speaker.

Statistics presented at the meeting highlighted the gravity of the situation: in the past 20 years, over 65,000 murders have occurred in Bihar, with a significant number of victims from the business community. “The government has lost its credibility. We appeal to all traders, regardless of political affiliation, to join hands and support a movement demanding better security and justice,” the Chamber’s leaders declared.

Manish Yadav, Secretary of Rotary Club Bihar, also called for issuing arms licenses to traders, similar to those granted to public representatives. “Traders not only contribute to the economy but also support the government. When the police fail to protect us, we must be allowed to defend ourselves. The Chamber of Commerce has always raised its voice for traders’ rights and strongly condemns this heinous murder,” he said.

Dr. Vipin Kumar Sinha, Secretary of the Nalanda Chamber of Commerce and Industries, echoed these sentiments and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to fighting for the safety and rights of the business community.