New Delhi: A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the murder of freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, whose body was discovered in a septic tank on the premises of a contractor in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district Friday, two days after he was reported missing. Three people have reportedly been taken into custody for questioning.
The Editors Guild of India swiftly condemned the incident, terming it a “deeply disturbing” case of suspected murder. In a statement Saturday, the Guild emphasised the importance of protecting journalists, particularly those working in rural and conflict-prone areas. “A free press must be allowed to function without fear or intimidation,” it said, calling on the Chhattisgarh government to ensure a speedy and thorough investigation.
Known for his in-depth reporting on the Naxal conflict in Bastar, Mukesh had reported on, among other issues, alleged corruption to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore in road construction projects in the district. Besides working with national news outlets as a freelancer, he ran a YouTube channel called Bastar Junction with over 1.6 lakh subscribers.
After he went missing Wednesday, his elder brother Yukesh Chandrakar—also a journalist—filed a missing persons report the same day, mentioning Mukesh’s investigative work on alleged irregularities in the construction of a road from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village in Bijapur which had led to a probe. The complaint said Mukesh was facing threats from three people linked to the project, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar.
On Friday, police traced Mukesh’s body to a freshly cemented septic tank at a construction site in Chattanpara Basti—a compound used to house construction workers.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Yadav told news agency ANI there were injuries to Mukesh’s head. Yukesh reportedly told police that contractor Suresh Chandrakar’s brother Ritesh had called Mukesh for a meeting on 1 January, post midnight.
While police are yet to disclose the identities of those taken into custody in connection with Mukesh’s murder, a report by India Today said contractor Suresh Chandrakar and his brothers Ritesh and Dinesh had been arrested.
ThePrint reached Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav for confirmation but calls to him went unanswered.
Mukesh Chandrakar had been actively reporting on the socio-political situation in Bastar, covering issues related to tribal rights and the ongoing conflict between security forces and Naxals. His videos also focused on the issues faced by the local youth and tribals.
On 22 December, NDTV ran Mukesh’s investigation on how a 52-km road in Bijapur was in bad shape despite Rs 120 crore spent on its construction. Jagdalpur Public Works Department took cognisance and set up an investigative committee to look into the alleged irregularities.
Also Read: Heroic journalists who worked to keep Ajmer 1992 gangrape case alive—in public memory, courts
