Chhattisgarh: Bastar journalist investigating corruption case found dead; 3 arrested

Raipur (The Uttam Hindu): In a tragic turn of events, independent journalist Mukesh Chandraka who had been missing since January 1 was found dead on Friday evening in a septic tank in Bijapur’s Chattanpara Basti, Chhattisgarh. The police have arrested three individuals in connection with the Bastar journalist's murder and efforts are underway to apprehend the main accused, Suresh Chandrakar. Authorities have stated that Suresh will be taken into custody soon. Bastar IG P. Sundarraj confirmed the arrests of the three suspects.

Mukesh Chandrakar, a 33-year-old independent journalist and contributing reporter for NDTV was found dead in the septic tank on the property of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara Basti, Bijapur. Mukesh was known for his investigative journalism, particularly covering corruption and Naxal-related issues. He regularly updated his audience on his YouTube channel, ‘Bastar Junction,’ which had over 1,59,000 subscribers. Mukesh was also instrumental in securing the release of CRPF personnel who were abducted by Maoists following an encounter in Bijapur in 2021.

Mukesh had been missing since January 1, last seen leaving his home in a T-shirt and shorts. His phone was later switched off, prompting his brother Yukesh to search for him at friends’ places and across the city. When he could not locate him, Yukesh filed a missing person report with the police. In the missing person report, Yukesh mentioned that his brother had been investigating alleged irregularities in the construction of a road from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village, which led to an official probe into the project. Yukesh also stated that his brother had been receiving threatening calls prior to his disappearance.

The police confirmed that Mukesh’s body was discovered in a septic tank that had been freshly sealed with concrete. His body showed signs of multiple injuries to the head and back and was identified by his clothes. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his condolences, calling Mukesh’s death "heartbreaking" and an "irreparable loss" for both journalism and society. He assured the public that the perpetrators would not be spared, and he had instructed authorities to arrest the criminals as quickly as possible and ensure they face the harshest punishment.