Indian media rights groups have demanded an investigation after the body of missing journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was discovered hidden in a septic tank.
The 32-year-old freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh contributed to major news channels and was well-known for his reporting on alleged corruption within the construction industry. His popular YouTube channel had also covered these issues extensively.
Chandrakar’s family reported him missing on New Year’s Day, and on Friday, police discovered his body at the compound of a construction contractor in Bijapur. The body was found in a septic tank, which had recently been covered with concrete slabs. Authorities confirmed that the body showed signs of blunt force trauma, pointing to foul play.
Police have linked his death to a recent investigation he had conducted into an alleged road construction scam in Bijapur, a story that had triggered a police probe. So far, 3 people have been arrested in connection with his murder. One of the key suspects, Suresh Chandrakar, the owner of the construction site where the body was found, remains at large.
More Into the Case
The discovery of Chandrakar’s body has sparked widespread outrage among journalists and press organizations across India. In response, the Press Council of India issued a statement expressing deep concern over the suspected murder and demanded a report on the case’s facts. Locally, the Bastar Journalist Association’s president, Manish Gupta, condemned the killing as a “dark chapter” and urged the police and government to enhance the safety of journalists working in perilous conditions in the region.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, called the incident “heartbreaking” and assured that the authorities would pursue the “harshest punishment” for those found guilty.
India continues to be one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, according to the global watchdog Reporters Without Borders, which reported 28 journalist killings over the past decade linked to their reporting. The tragic death of Mukesh Chandrakar is a chilling reminder of the risks journalists face in their quest to uncover the truth, and it highlights the need for stronger protections for those who risk their lives to inform the public.
