The main accused in the murder of Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was arrested in Hyderabad on Sunday night, marking a significant development in the case that has shocked the region. Suresh Chandrakar, a distant relative of the victim and a contractor, is believed to have masterminded the brutal murder. His arrest follows a thorough investigation, including the review of over 200 CCTV footages and tracking nearly 300 mobile numbers.
Mukesh Chandrakar’s body was discovered in a septic tank in a shed owned by a contractor in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division last week. The 32-year-old independent journalist, who had contributed reports to NDTV, was last seen leaving his home in Bijapur on January 1. His sudden disappearance prompted his brother, Yukesh, to file a missing person complaint, leading to the discovery of his body soon after.
Authorities had been searching for Suresh Chandrakar since the investigation began. Police traced his whereabouts to a driver’s residence in Hyderabad, where he had been hiding. After his arrest, officials confirmed that Suresh Chandrakar was being questioned regarding his role in orchestrating the crime.
Meanwhile, three other individuals have already been arrested in connection to the murder. These include Ritesh Chandrakar, Mukesh’s cousin, who was apprehended at Raipur airport on Saturday, as well as Mahendra Ramteke, a supervisor, and Dinesh Chandrakar, another relative of the victim, who were taken into custody from Bijapur.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the murder took place after an argument broke out during a dinner between Ritesh, Mahendra, and Mukesh. In a fit of rage, Ritesh and Mahendra attacked Mukesh with an iron rod, killing him instantly. They then hid his body in the septic tank and sealed it with cement to conceal their crime. The culprits also disposed of Mukesh’s phone and the murder weapon. Dinesh allegedly supervised the cementing of the septic tank, while Suresh was reportedly the one who devised the plan.
Authorities have frozen four bank accounts linked to Suresh Chandrakar and demolished an illegally constructed yard that he owned. His wife has also been taken into custody in Kanker district and is being interrogated by the police.
The tragic murder has drawn widespread condemnation, with many expressing concern for the safety of journalists in the region. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma called the incident “terrible, painful, and utterly wrong” and promised that strict action would be taken. The Press Association and the Editors Guild of India have also condemned the incident, urging the Chhattisgarh government to ensure the safety of journalists, particularly those involved in investigative and field reporting.
The Editors Guild released a statement expressing deep concern over the case, urging the Chhattisgarh government to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Guild stressed the importance of protecting journalists, especially in rural and smaller towns, where the profession is often met with hostility.
The Press Association echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards to allow journalists to carry out their vital work without fear of retribution. The tragic death of Mukesh Chandrakar has served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by reporters working in hostile environments.
As the investigation continues, Mukesh Chandrakar’s death remains a haunting reminder of the dangers that journalists face while carrying out their duties. Authorities are under pressure to ensure justice for the slain journalist and to address the broader issue of journalist safety in India.
Sources By Agencies