BIJAPUR/CHHATTISGARH, Dec 4: In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the journalistic community, the body of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, known for his ground reporting on the Maoist conflict and investigative journalism, was found in a septic tank on the premises of a construction contractor in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. The incident has sparked outrage and demands for justice.
Mukesh Chandrakar, 33, a reporter for a local news channel and the owner of a digital news platform, had recently reported on alleged irregularities in a Rs 120-crore road construction project from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village in Bijapur. His expose had reportedly led to an official investigation into the project. According to his family, Mukesh had been receiving threats following his revelations.
The journalist’s body was recovered on January 3 at around 6 p.m., two days after he went missing. His elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, who is also a television journalist, had lodged a missing person report with the police on Wednesday evening. Yukesh’s complaint mentioned the danger Mukesh faced from contractor Suresh Chandrakar and two other individuals allegedly involved in the scam.
Police used mobile tracking to locate Mukesh’s body in Chattanpara Basti, on a property belonging to Suresh Chandrakar. Mukesh was last seen on the evening of January 1.
The journalist community and civil society have strongly condemned the murder. Team Arunachal Today also condemned the incident in its strongest terms, describing the incident as a “black day for journalism” and an attempt to “suppress the voice of truth.” They demanded strict and immediate action against all individuals involved in the heinous crime.
“Mukesh’s death is a grim reminder of the risks faced by journalists who dare to expose corruption . We stand united in seeking justice for our colleague,” the Arunachal Today statement read.
This tragic incident underscores the dangerous environment in which many journalists in conflict-ridden areas operate. Mukesh Chandrakar’s relentless pursuit of truth and his commitment to exposing corruption have come at a heavy price. As investigations continue, pressure mounts on the authorities to ensure accountability and protect press freedom in the region.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the murder and promised swift action. However, the journalist community awaits concrete steps to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure such incidents do not recur.
Meanwhile, Editors Guild of India also condemned the incident.In its press statement, EGI asserted that the Editors Guild of India is deeply disturbed by the reports of the suspected murder of Mr. Mukcsh Chandrakar, a young freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh. His body was reportedly found dumped in a septic tank in the premises of a private contractor in Bijapur district on Friday. Mr. Chandrakar, who was just 33 – years old, worked as a contributor to several television channels. He had recently reported on an alleged road construction scam that prompted local authorities to investigate some contractors.
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. A free press that is allowed to work without fear is important for any democracy. While the Editors Guild grieves Mr. Chandralcat’s death, it hopes that his passing under unnatural circumstances will serve as a wake-up call and prompt better measures for journalists’ protection. The country must not let Mr. Chandrakar’s death go entirely in vain.
Who was Mukesh Chandrakar
- Mukesh Chandrakar played a key role in securing the release of CRPF personnel abducted by Maoists after an encounter in Bijapur in 2021. He was credited by the state police for his crucial involvement in the release of CRPF commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas. Mukesh extensively reported on Naxal attacks, encounters, and other issues affecting Bastar.
- With a decade of journalistic experience, Mukesh worked as a stringer for a prominent national news channel and ran a popular YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which had over 159,000 subscribers.
- “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,” Anurag Dwary, the resident editor of the national news channel, told HT.
- His channel featured videos on various aspects of the conflict between the State and the Maoists, as well as highlighting issues important to the tribal community.
- Mukesh used his extensive network to assist other journalists from the state capital, Raipur, and across the country in their reporting efforts.
