Chhattisgarh: 3 held for journalist’s murder; main accused on the run
Police found Mukesh Chandrakar’s body in a septic tank that was freshly sealed with concrete; his swollen body bore multiple injuries to the head and back
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has pledged to mete out the “strictest punishment” to the killers of an investigative journalist whose body with torture marks was found in a septic tank in Bijapur town.
While three men have been arrested in connection with Mukesh Chandrakar’s shocking murder, the police are now hunting for Suresh Chandrakar who owned the property where the body was hidden.
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According to the slain journalist’s family, Mukesh went missing on January 1 amid continuing threats from a contractor who faced an official inquiry after the journalist uncovered corruption in road building.
Who is the journalist?
Suresh, the man on the run, is a contractor.
Mukesh, 33, was a well-known TV journalist whose ‘Bastar Junction’ YouTube channel had over 159,000 subscribers. He played a key role in securing the release of CRPF personnel abducted by Maoists in Bijapur in 2021.
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Mukesh’s brother told the police that the journalist had reported about irregularities in the construction of a road linking Gangaloor and Nelasanar villages in Bastar region. This triggered an official inquiry.
Death threats after exposure
Soon after, Mukesh began receiving death threats from men linked to the contractor.
After days of search, the police found Mukesh's body in a septic tank that was freshly sealed with concrete. His swollen body, with injuries to the head and back, was identified by his clothes.
11-member SIT constituted
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has announced the setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The Deputy CM also claimed the main accused was a Congress leader.
"Suresh Chandrakar is the main accused in the case. He is a Congress leader and office bearer of the party in Bijapur. Four police teams have been formed to nab him. The process to freeze his bank accounts and that of other accused has begun. We have put on hold three accounts of Suresh Chandrakar," Sharma said.
Hailing Mukesh Chandrakar, the deputy CM said he was known his reporting in the interiors of the Maoist-hit region and had deep understanding of local issues. "His murder is a major dent in efforts to establish peace in Bastar Region. The Chhattisgarh government has set up an 11-member SIT under IPS officer Mayank Gurjar to probe his murder. Police will submit chargesheet in 3-4 weeks and we will request the court for a speedy trial," Sharma informed.
Editors Guild of India condemns murder
The Editors Guild of India in a press statement said it was deeply disturbed by the reports of the suspected murder of Mukesh.
"The young journalist's death is a matter of grave concern as it raises suspicion of foul play. The Editors Guild calls on the government of Chhattisgarh to spare no efforts in investigating the case speedily and bringing the guilty to book. The safety of journalists — especially those working in smaller towns and rural areas — is of paramount importance, and the Editors Guild demands that authorities across the country must do their best to ensure that no harm or hindrance is caused to any of them in discharging their professional duties," read the statement.
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"A free press that is allowed to work without fear is important for any democracy. While the Editors Guild grieves Mr Chandrakar's death, it hopes that his passing under unnatural circumstances will serve as a wake-up call and prompt better measures for journalists' protection. This country must not let Mr Chandrakar's death go entirely in vain," concluded the statement.
CM promises justice
Chief Minister Sai called the murder “very sad and heart-breaking” and said Mukesh’s death was “an irreparable loss for journalism and society”.
He added: “The culprit will not be spared under any circumstances. I have given instructions to arrest the criminals as soon as possible and ensure the harshest punishment for them.”