Chhattisgarh: The brutal murder of Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, whose body was recovered from a septic tank, has revealed shocking details. Among the three arrested for the crime is Mukesh’s cousin, Ritesh Chandrakar. Known for his fearless investigative journalism, the 28-year-old Mukesh had recently exposed alleged corruption in a Rs 120-crore road construction project from Gangalur to Hiroli in Bastar.
The project, initially tendered at Rs 50 crore, ballooned to Rs 120 crore without any change in scope. This expose by Mukesh prompted the state government to launch an inquiry, unsettling the contractor lobby, as reported by India Today. The project was overseen by contractor Suresh Chandrakar, who remains at large.
Ritesh, a cousin and associate of Suresh, allegedly lured Mukesh to a meeting with Suresh on January 1. Following this, Mukesh’s phone went offline, and his elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, filed a missing person report. Two days later, Mukesh’s body was discovered in a septic tank at a property owned by Suresh in Chattanpara.
Three Arrests Made So Far
Police have arrested three suspects, including Ritesh and another relative, Dinesh Chandrakar. However, Suresh, believed to be the mastermind, is absconding. Authorities have intensified their search, forming four teams to track him down.
Investigations suggest Mukesh and Ritesh shared a history of camaraderie, often meeting at the property where the journalist’s body was found. However, Mukesh’s probe into the road project strained their relationship. Forensic examinations revealed Mukesh suffered severe injuries to his head, chest, back, and stomach from a blunt weapon, indicating a violent end.
The case has sparked outrage, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemning the murder. In a post on X, she demanded strict action against the culprits and support for Mukesh’s family. The Raipur Press Club staged protests, drawing attention to the intimidation faced by journalists in Bastar, especially those exposing corruption.
Who Was Mukesh Chandrakar?
Mukesh, a resident of Basaguda village in Bijapur, started his journalism career in 2012 and ran a YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, with over 1.59 lakh subscribers. He was celebrated for his bold reporting on local issues.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the murder. Police have frozen three bank accounts linked to Suresh and are questioning relatives and media colleagues for leads. The state government has assured a thorough investigation, while the hunt for Suresh and his accomplices continues.
