ITANAGAR, Jan 5: The Arunachal Publishers and Broadcasting Guild (APBG) strongly condemns the brutal murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. This heinous act, which has shocked the nation and shaken the journalistic community, underscores the growing risks faced by reporters dedicated to exposing corruption and injustice.
President APBG Chopa Cheda stated “Mukesh Chandrakar, a courageous journalist known for his fearless investigative reporting, had recently unearthed significant irregularities in a Rs 120-crore road construction project, which reportedly led to an official investigation. His tragic demise, following threats allegedly linked to his revelations, represents a grave assault on press freedom and the right to truth in our democracy.
We call upon the Chhattisgarh government and law enforcement agencies to Conduct an impartial and swift investigation into the circumstances of Mukesh Chandrakar’s death, Ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this atrocity, including anyone complicit in threatening his life, Provide protection for Mukesh’s family and his brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, who is also a journalist and to Establish safeguards to protect journalists working in high-risk regions and those exposing corruption, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of reprisal.
This incident is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing trend where journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive issues, face threats, harassment, and violence. The APBG reiterates that press freedom is the cornerstone of a democratic society. We urge both the central and state governments to reinforce their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of journalists across India.
Mukesh Chandrakar’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. The APBG stands in solidarity with his family, colleagues, and all those who continue to uphold the values of fearless journalism in the face of adversity.
The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of independent journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, whose body was discovered in a septic tank after he exposed corruption in a road construction project in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district.
Chandrakar, a contributor to NDTV, had recently unearthed a scam involving irregularities in a road construction project led by a local contractor. The exposé had caused public outrage, drawing attention to corruption in public infrastructure development.
Days after publishing his report, Chandrakar went missing, and his body was later found on the premises of the implicated contractor, as per officials.The APUWJ in a statement condemned the incident as “a despicable act that underscores the growing threats faced by journalists in their pursuit of truth.”
The union emphasized that such attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of targeting journalists across the country.“This heinous act is a chilling reminder of the perils faced by reporters working to uphold democracy and transparency,” the APUWJ said, adding that the government must recognize the gravity of this situation and implement immediate measures to protect journalists, particularly those reporting on corruption and crime.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of any democracy, and its defenders should not have to fear for their lives, APUWJ president Amar Sangno said. The union further demanded that the state and central governments ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into Chandrakar’s death.
