Bihar bizman shot dead from point-blank range, sparks row

THE murder of a prominent businessman at the Bihar capital has once again exposed chinks in police security, with the Opposition expressing deep concern over 'deteriorating' law and order situation in the poll-bound state.

- RAMASHANKAR @ Patna

Gopal Khemka (65) was killed by a sharpshooter at the entrance of his apartment on the Exhibition Road under Gandhi Maidan police station limits on Friday night. He was shot from point-blank range while he sat at the driver's seat of his vehicle waiting for the entrance gate to open.

Police did not rule out involvement of a professional criminal in the murder as the assailant fired one shot, hitting the victim. Khemka, who was returning home from Bankipore Club, was rushed to a private hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.