Bijapur, Chhattisgarh - In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found brutally murdered on January 3, 2025, in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. The latest update in the case reveals that the prime accused, Suresh Chandrakar, was arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Hyderabad on January 5, 2025.
Chandrakar, aged 33, was known for his investigative reporting, particularly on issues related to corruption in road construction projects in the Bastar region. His most recent work exposed alleged irregularities in a Rs 120 crore road project, which led to a government inquiry into the implicated contractors. It is this investigation that is believed to have precipitated his murder.
The sequence of events leading to Chandrakar's death began when he went missing on January 1, after informing a colleague he was meeting a local contractor. His body was discovered two days later, concealed in a septic tank on a property owned by Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor named in Mukesh's report. The postmortem revealed gruesome details: Chandrakar had suffered from multiple fractures, including five broken ribs, 15 head fractures, a broken neck, and his heart was ripped out, indicating a violent end.
The investigation revealed that Ritesh Chandrakar, a cousin of Mukesh, and Mahendra Ramteke, an employee of the Chandrakar brothers, were involved in the attack. According to reports, an argument over Chandrakar's recent expose led to Ritesh and Mahendra attacking him with an iron rod during a dinner meeting, resulting in his immediate death. After the murder, they hid the body in the septic tank and sealed it with concrete, while also disposing of Chandrakar's phone and the murder weapon.
The case has taken on political dimensions with allegations that Suresh Chandrakar held a position within the Congress party, leading to counter-claims and political finger-pointing. The Chhattisgarh government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has committed to ensuring the harshest punishment for those involved, showcasing a firm stance against crime.
Journalist organizations like the Editors Guild of India and the Press Council of India have strongly condemned the killing, calling for swift justice and better safeguards for journalists, especially those in rural and conflict areas. There's a growing demand for a comprehensive investigation into not just the murder but also the broader implications of journalist safety when exposing corruption.
The incident has sparked a debate on the risks faced by journalists in India, particularly those who delve into corruption and governance issues in less visible regions. Mukesh Chandrakar's murder underscores the perilous nature of journalism where the pursuit of truth can cost one's life.
This story is based on information from multiple web sources and posts found on X.