A Freelance Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank After Reporting on Corruption in Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh:

The body of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh state, was discovered on Friday in a septic tank on the property of a road construction contractor in Bijapur town. His family had reported him missing on New Year’s Day, and authorities tracked his mobile phone to the site.

Chandrakar, who also ran the popular YouTube channel Bastar Junction, was known for his investigations into alleged corruption in public construction projects. Police confirmed that his body bore signs of severe blunt-force trauma, suggesting foul play. Three individuals, including two of his relatives, have been arrested in connection with his death. Among them is the compound owner, Suresh Chandrakar, a relative, who remains at large.

Initial investigations on January 2 had not yielded any significant clues, but after a more thorough inspection on January 3, the body was found buried beneath concrete slabs near a badminton court. Local journalists have protested, demanding strict action against the perpetrators.

The Press Council of India has called for a full investigation, while the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh expressed condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and announcing the formation of a special investigation team. This tragic incident adds to the alarming trend of violence against journalists in India, especially those exposing corruption or environmental issues. In recent years, several journalists, such as Subhash Kumar Mahto in 2022, have been targeted for their reporting.

India is becoming dangerous for journalists, with media watchdog Reporters Without Borders reporting an average of three to four journalist killings each year related to their work.