Chhattisgarh Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank: A Grim Start to the New Year

Chhattisgarh Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar Found Dead in Septic Tank; Police Arrest Three, CM Assures Justice

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh, the body of a well-known journalist, Mukesh Chandrakar, was found in a septic tank in Bijapur district on January 3. The 28-year-old journalist, who was known for his fearless reporting from the Bastar region, had gone missing on New Year’s Day. The police made swift arrests of three people suspected of murdering him. This included the local road contractor on whose premises his body was found.

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Mukesh Chandrakar, an independent journalist who had written for NDTV and produced content on a YouTube channel, had been one of the more prominent voices of reporting from the Maoist-affected Bastar region. His disappearance on January 1 had raised an alarm as his phones were switched off around midnight, and his family and colleagues were left in distress. His brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, who is also a journalist, filed a missing person’s complaint on January 2, and a special police team was formed to trace him.

In what could be seen as a big breakthrough, police traced Mukesh’s last-known location to a place called Chattanpara Basti, which housed contractor Suresh Chandrakar. Some recently sealed-up septic tanks were found here. Breaking this open, Mukesh’s body was recovered inside, with numerous injury marks to the head and back. What has raised such chilling questions has been the reason behind the murder, with questions being raised before the authorities that whether it has any connection to the recent investigation reports of Mukesh.

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A Journalist Silenced, A Family Devastated
Such sudden death has gapped a lacuna in Mukesh in journalistic fraternity and families. He stood out for pursuing truth and made a name from his fearless journalistic reporting. Notably, back in April of 2021, he single-handedly brokered the freeing of CRPF CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, who had been taken into captivity by the Maoists; this act alone earned him acknowledgment from the police of the State.

His brother Yukesh was also very disturbed by the killing and said, “Mukesh was not only my brother but also a passionate journalist who stood for the truth. His murder is a blow to our family and to journalism itself.”

Police Investigation and Arrests
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav confirmed that several suspects, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar, are under interrogation. The police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind Mukesh’s murder. IG Bastar P Sundarraj assured that the investigation is progressing swiftly, with all angles being thoroughly examined.

Another layer to the investigation is the involvement of the contractor’s cousin, who apparently called Mukesh on New Year’s Day. Mukesh’s recent reports are also under scrutiny from the authorities whether his work had provoked those who committed his murder.

Political and Social Reactions
The incident has gained widespread condemnation from across the state. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai took to social media to express condolences over the lost life, declaring that the “culprits will not go unpunished under any circumstance.” “This loss is unrecoverable both for journalism as well as the society. Nothing but the long arm of law will be deployed against the offenders,” he asserted.

Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij has criticized the law and order situation in the state, pointing out the increasing dangers that journalists are facing. “The crumbling law and order in the state is now targeting the fourth pillar of democracy. Journalists are paying with their lives for impartial reporting,” he said.

The Broader Implications
Mukesh’s murder highlights how dangerous it can be for reporters, especially if they are from areas like Bastar, conflict zones. A reminder of risk and danger posed by speaking to power, a death that now brings renewed focus on calls demanding better protection and security for the journalists, with civil society groups renewing demands at the government for the safety and freedom of journalists.

As the investigation unfolds, Mukesh Chandrakar’s life and work stand as a testament to the courage and determination of journalists dedicated to telling the truth, even in the face of grave danger. His tragic demise serves both as a warning and as a rallying cry for protection for those who hold power accountable.

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