Authorities have arrested three individuals, including relatives, as investigations continue into the mysterious death of Mukesh Chandrakar, a journalist whose body was discovered in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh.
Missing Indian Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank, Investigation Underway
Missing Indian Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank, Investigation Underway
Mukesh Chandrakar, a journalist known for exposing corruption, was discovered deceased in a septic tank, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into his death.
The tragic discovery of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old Indian journalist known for his investigative reporting on corruption, has sent shockwaves through the media community. Chandrakar went missing on New Year's Day, leading his family to file a complaint with local police. After a series of investigations guided by mobile phone tracking, his body was uncovered last Friday in a septic tank located on the premises of a road construction contractor in the Bijapur area.
Authorities had initially missed the location during their first inspection on January 2. However, a more thorough search on January 3 revealed the journalist's body beneath newly laid concrete slabs, with evidence of severe blunt-force injuries.
Chandrakar, who was also the host of the popular YouTube channel "Bastar Junction," reported extensively on alleged corruption within public construction projects. Following his untimely death, the Press Council of India requested a detailed report regarding the circumstances from the state government, with Chhattisgarh's chief minister labeling the incident "heartbreaking."
A special investigation team has been established to delve deeper into the case. Among those arrested are two of Chandrakar's relatives, while Suresh Chandrakar, the owner of the compound where the body was found, remains at large. In response to the incident, local journalists have gathered to demand justice for the slain journalist.
Such incidents are alarmingly frequent in India, particularly for those reporting on corruption and environmental abuses, which contribute to the country's reputation as one of the most perilous places for journalists. A 2022 report noted that an average of three to four journalists lose their lives annually due to their work in India, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures and accountability for these crimes against media professionals.
