Following the assassination of industrialist Gopal Khemka—allegedly carried out through a paid hit—the Bihar Police’s Special Task Force (STF) announced on July 16, 2025, the creation of a new surveillance unit aimed at identifying and monitoring contract killers across the state.
At a press briefing held at the Patna police headquarters, Additional Director General (Headquarters) Kundan Krishnan emphasized the growing concern over youth involvement in murder-for-hire cases. “We’ve established a dedicated unit that will maintain a comprehensive database of individuals involved in contract killings,” he stated.
Each entry in the database will include personal details such as names, addresses, physical descriptions, photographs, and other identifiers. These profiles—or dossiers—will enable authorities to track individuals even after their release from prison. Local law enforcement across districts has been instructed to remain vigilant and actively monitor these individuals.
Krishnan also revealed that 1,290 individuals who have profited through criminal means have been identified, and efforts are underway to seize their assets.
In a related development, Patna police suspended Rajesh Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Gandhi Maidan Police Station, for negligence in handling Khemka’s case. Khemka, who had previously been affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, was shot dead near his residence on July 4—just 300 meters from the police station. His family had alleged a significant delay in the police response.
Inspector General Jitendra Rana confirmed the suspension, stating, “The investigation found that the SHO failed in his duties. Further action will be taken if other personnel are found responsible.”
Meanwhile, the police have arrested both the alleged shooter, Umesh Yadav, and the purported mastermind, Ashok Sao, who had reportedly paid ₹4 lakh for the contract killing.
The state police have also submitted a proposal to establish Fast Track Courts to expedite trials in serious criminal cases. Additionally, a separate Narcotics and Prohibition Division is being planned to strengthen the already functioning Narcotics Cell under the STF. Krishnan stressed that these initiatives aim to curb the rising use of narcotics like heroin, smack, and other substances among the youth.
Addressing recent violent incidents, Krishnan dismissed claims that crime was on the rise, suggesting instead that misinformation was being used to shape public opinion in an election year. “The police force continues to act decisively against rogue elements within its ranks,” he concluded.
