New Delhi, July 8 -- An accused in the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka has reportedly been killed in a police encounter, though official confirmation is still awaited.

On 7 July, two persons had been arrested in connection with the murder of Patna-based industrialist Gopal Khemka, including the man who had pulled the trigger, a senior police officer said on Monday.

The officer who did not wish to be identified said the shooter named Umesh Rai has been arrested while the other person who was suspected of having hired the contract killer has been detained.

"Both persons have been held in Patna by a joint team of Special Task Force and Patna Police. The investigation is in progress. We will be able to divulge more details in due course...