Police in Bastar Division have arrested three individuals, including two relatives, in connection with the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. His body was discovered in a freshly sealed septic tank at a shed owned by a contractor on Friday. Chandrakar, who had been missing since New Year’s Day, was last seen leaving his home in Bijapur’s Pujari Para. His brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, had filed a missing persons report the following day.
Following an investigation, police located the 32-year-old journalist’s body in Chhatan Para Basti, just a short distance from his home. The arrested individuals include Ritesh Chandrakar, Mukesh’s cousin, who was captured at Raipur airport, and Mahendra Ramteke, a supervisor. Dinesh Chandrakar, another relative of the victim, was arrested in Bijapur. The main suspect, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, is still on the run.
Murder Details
According to police, Mukesh had dinner with his cousin Ritesh and Mahendra Ramteke at Suresh’s shed. An argument ensued during the meal, and Ritesh and Mahendra allegedly attacked Mukesh with an iron rod, killing him instantly. They then concealed his body by sealing it inside a septic tank with cement, attempting to hide their crime. They also disposed of Mukesh’s phone and the weapon used in the attack. Dinesh, another relative, is accused of overseeing the cementing of the tank to conceal the body.
A post-mortem examination revealed severe injuries to Mukesh’s head, chest, back, and stomach, indicating he was struck with a hard object. His body was identified through a tattoo on his hand. The nature of the injuries, along with the cementing of the septic tank, suggests that the murder was premeditated.
Investigation and Actions Taken
In response to the crime, four police teams have been mobilized to track down Suresh Chandrakar. The Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), Sundarraj P, has also set up a special 11-member investigation team (SIT) to gather scientific and technical evidence to build a solid case. Authorities have frozen four bank accounts linked to the contractor and demolished an illegally constructed yard owned by him.
“The SIT will ensure a thorough investigation, and we will prosecute the accused promptly,” stated Inspector General Sundarraj.
Public and Official Reactions
Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Home portfolio, described the murder as “terrible, painful, and utterly wrong.” He assured the public that strong and swift action was being taken to bring justice to the victim and his family.
The Editors Guild of India has expressed deep concern over the journalist’s death, emphasizing that Mukesh had recently reported on an alleged road construction scam involving local contractors. This investigation led to scrutiny of some contractors, including Suresh Chandrakar, which has raised suspicions of foul play. The Guild called on the government to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and ensure the safety of journalists working in smaller towns and rural areas.
“The safety of journalists is of paramount importance, and the Editors Guild demands that authorities across the country ensure that no harm comes to journalists while performing their professional duties,” the statement read.
A Grave Loss
Mukesh Chandrakar’s tragic death highlights the dangerous risks faced by journalists, particularly in rural areas, where their reporting may lead to conflicts with powerful local figures. The investigation into his death continues as authorities work to uncover the full details of the crime.
Sources By Agencies