NEW DELHI: NEWDELHI :  The body of 28-year-old freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who had been reported missing earlier this week, was found on Friday (January 3) in a septic tank on the property of a contractor in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. A murder case has been registered and several individuals, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar and his brothers, have been taken into custody for questioning.
Mukesh, known for his investigative reporting on the Naxal conflict and corruption in road construction projects in the Bastar region, was last seen on the evening of January 1. According to a Hindustan Times report, his elder brother Yukesh Chandrakar, also a journalist, had filed a missing person report the following day. Police traced Mukesh’s location through mobile tracking, leading them to a construction site in Chattanpara Basti, where his body was found in a freshly cemented septic tank. The site, the police have claimed, was used to house workers employed by Suresh.
In his detailed complaint to the police, Yukesh noted that Mukesh had been covering alleged irregularities in the construction of a road between Gangaloor and Nelasanar villages, which prompted an official investigation into the project. Yukesh further said that his brother had received threats from individuals linked to the project, including Suresh.
While Bijapur’s police superintendent Jitendra Yadav refrained from divulging information about the suspects or the motive behind the murder as the investigation is still in its initial stage, he confirmed that Mukesh had suffered a head injury. According to Yukesh, accused Suresh’s brother Ritesh had called Mukesh for a meeting in the early hours of January 1. After this time, Mukesh went missing.

Mukesh, a creator of Bastar Junction, a YouTube channel with over 159,000 subscribers, had reported extensively on corruption and infrastructure issues in Bastar region. Just two weeks ago, on December 22, a National TV Channel aired Mukesh’s investigation, revealing that a 52-km road in the area was in disrepair despite the funds spent. Following his story, the Jagdalpur public works department had set up an investigative committee to look into the alleged irregularities.
Even as a young journalist, Mukesh was instrumental in securing the release of one Central Reserve Police Force commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas allegedly abducted by the Naxals after an encounter in Bijapur in 2021. Mukesh’s murder has prompted widespread condemnation, with journalists and media organisations expressing outrage over the incident. The Editors’ Guild of India called the incident “deeply disturbing”, emphasising the importance of protecting journalists, particularly those working in rural and conflict-prone areas.
“A free press must be allowed to function without fear or intimidation,” the Guild said, urging the Chhattisgarh government to ensure a swift and thorough investigation. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed his condolences, terming Mukesh’s death an “irreparable loss” to both journalism and society. “The murder of a journalist is an attack on truth and justice,” he posted on social media.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday made a big statement in the murder case of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Bijapur. Bhupesh Baghel said that Suresh Chandrakar had not killed any journalist as long as he was with us. After joining the BJP, he got the strength to kill the journalist. Accused Suresh Chandrakar has political patronage. He alleged that the government is protecting corrupt officials and contractors.
He has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for allegedly failing to protect journalists in the state. His remarks came after the murder of Bijapur district journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. Baghel said, “This murder is a clear message from the BJP government that if anyone exposes their corruption, he will be killed. Journalists are being silenced for questioning the wrongdoings of the government.” Citing a previous incident, Baghel said the manner in which Jaitkham, an iconic religious symbol for the Satnami community, was damaged in June last year in Girodpuri village has exposed the BJP government.
Baghe said the community demanded a CBI probe so that the real culprit could be caught. However, the government did not conduct a CBI inquiry and the accused has not been caught till date. He alleged that the government instead put hundreds of youths of the Satnami community in jail. The former chief minister said anyone who raises voice against this government will be crushed. This is the message being given.
The incident created a sensation across Chhattisgarh and led to widespread outrage and condemnation, following which the police arrested accused Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor and a relative of Mukesh.
The incident has led to growing concerns over the safety of journalists in Chhattisgarh. Several journalist associations and organisations Including Press Club of India  has condemned the sensational  murder  of young freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar . “We strongly condemn the killing and demand time-bound action against the perpetrators Gautam Lahidi ,President of the  Press Club of India said in a tweet post.
The government must take immediate action to ensure the safety of journalists. “We will not tolerate any attempt to silence us,” said a spokesperson for the Chhattisgarh Patrakar Sangh.
State police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder, with state Home Minister Vijay Sharma promising a speedy trial and severe punishment to the culprits. “We will make every effort to get justice for Mukesh Chandrakar.
(Inputs from Raipur).

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