Bihar's Businessman's Homicide Sparks Chirag Paswan's Criticism of BJP-Led Coalition
Bihar is currently grappling with a surge in violent crime, causing widespread concern among citizens and political uproar. Over the past few months, the state has witnessed a significant increase in murders, robberies, rapes, dacoities, chain snatching, and extortion. Notable high-profile killings, such as that of businessman Gopal Khemka, have sparked fear and political controversy, particularly ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections later this year.
The murder of Gopal Khemka on July 4, 2025, in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan area, has become emblematic of the law-and-order crisis. The incident, captured on CCTV, has reignited political tensions and highlighted the need for urgent action.
The business community and public have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety and law enforcement situation. In response, there was a major reshuffle in police leadership in June 2025, with transfers of the Inspector General of Police for the central range and senior police officers in Patna.
Opposition leaders have sharply criticized the ruling NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Rahul Gandhi (Congress) called Bihar the “crime capital of India,” accusing the BJP-Nitish coalition of failing to protect citizens and making crime the “new normal.” He urged voters to reject the current government in the upcoming elections, framing every crime as a call for change.
The Congress party formally requested the Bihar Governor’s intervention, citing the crisis in law and order and the government’s inability to handle the situation effectively. The RJD and other opposition forces have also condemned the government's failure and called for accountability.
Despite the criticism, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar assured that the assailants involved in Khemka’s murder will not be spared, indicating a focus on investigation and justice.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan, head of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-Ram Vilas), has expressed concern over the increase in crime in Bihar and called for exemplary action to prevent similar crimes in the future. However, Chirag Paswan has not yet officially confirmed whether the LJP will maintain ties with the NDA in the Bihar election.
Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD leader, has echoed Chirag Paswan’s criticism, alleging that law and order has collapsed in Bihar under the NDA rule. Tejashwi Yadav stated that if the deteriorating law and order and rampant corruption in Bihar are not causing anger, then the sense of justice and human compassion has died.
In response to the criticism, the Bihar Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case of Gopal Khemka. On Saturday, the Patna Police conducted searches at Beur jail and questioned some inmates.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the parties will address the issue of crime and law and order in their manifestos and campaigns. The public will undoubtedly be watching closely, hoping for a commitment to restoring peace and security in Bihar.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Bihar Police to investigate the high-profile murder of Gopal Khemka, a case that has become emblematic of the law-and-order crisis in the state. The case, which has reignited political tensions and highlighted the need for urgent action, is set to influence the upcoming policy-and-legislation discussions and politics in Bihar, as crime-and-justice become central themes in the general-news discourse during the election campaign.
