Body of Bastar journalist, who covered road project corruption,
New Delhi: The remains of 28-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who had been reported missing, were discovered in a septic tank on a contractor’s property in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, on Friday, according to police reports. A murder investigation has been initiated, and several individuals have been detained for interrogation.
As reported by NDTV, the Bijapur Police confirmed that Mukesh’s body was found in a septic tank that had recently been sealed with concrete. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his sorrow, stating, “The murder of Bijapur’s young and dedicated journalist Mukesh Chandrakar ji is profoundly tragic and disheartening. The loss of Mukesh ji is an irreparable blow to both journalism and society.”
He further emphasized, “The perpetrator will face severe consequences. I have instructed law enforcement to apprehend the offenders promptly and ensure they receive the harshest penalties.” Mukesh was last seen on the evening of January 1. His elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, who is also a television journalist, reported him missing to the police the following day. Utilizing mobile tracking, authorities located Mukesh’s body on the property of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara Basti.
Yukesh’s report referenced a recent article Mukesh had written, which exposed alleged irregularities in the construction of a road connecting Gangaloor to Nelasanar village. This report led to an investigation into the project, and Mukesh had mentioned receiving threats from three individuals, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar.
A statement from the police, as cited by The Hindu, indicated that the post-mortem report is still pending. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav informed the press that the area where the body was found was utilized for housing workers and for playing badminton. However, he refrained from disclosing any information regarding suspects or the motive behind the murder, noting that the investigation remains in its preliminary stages.
Who was Mukesh Chandrakar?
- Mukesh Chandrakar played a pivotal role in facilitating the release of CRPF personnel who were kidnapped by Maoists following an encounter in Bijapur in 2021. The state police acknowledged his significant contribution to the safe return of CRPF commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas. Mukesh was known for his comprehensive reporting on Naxal attacks, encounters, and various issues impacting the Bastar region.
- With ten years of experience in journalism, Mukesh served as a stringer for a leading national news channel and operated a well-regarded YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which boasted over 159,000 subscribers.
- Anurag Dwary, the resident editor of the national news channel, expressed, “As a journalist, my colleague paid the ultimate price for exposing the truth. It is a stark reminder of the risks journalists take daily in pursuit of accountability. We stand in solidarity with his family, and we demand a swift and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice. His sacrifice will not be in vain, and we will continue his fight for transparency and justice,” as reported by Opinion Class.
- His channel showcased videos addressing various facets of the conflict between the State and the Maoists, while also emphasizing issues pertinent to the tribal community. Mukesh leveraged his extensive network to support fellow journalists from the state capital, Raipur, and across the nation in their reporting endeavors.
- The murder of Mukesh has drawn condemnation from journalists in Bastar, who assert that it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by reporters in the region.
