The SIT investigating journalist Mukesh Chandrakar's murder case in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh has unveiled significant details, indicating that prime accused, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, withdrew a large sum of money from his bank account days before the crime. Suresh, along with his brothers, conspired to murder Mukesh. During police interrogation, the accused disclosed that the murder was linked to news about poor road conditions.
This case marks the first extensive use of digital technology in Chhattisgarh's murder investigation. The SIT employed AI and OSINT tools for the probe. The iron rod and other items used in the murder were recovered from near Tumnaar River on the Bijapur Geedam National Highway. Four vehicles used in the crime were also seized.
Days before the crime, Suresh withdrew a significant sum from the bank
According to the SIT, prime accused Suresh Chandrakar was infuriated by news highlighting corruption in his road construction work. On December 27th, four days before the incident, he withdrew a large amount from his bank account. Mukesh Chandrakar (33) went missing on January 1st. His body was discovered on January 3rd in a septic tank on property owned by Suresh Chandrakar in Bijapur's Chattanpara locality.
Brutal murder executed by locking Mukesh in a room
Police sources reveal that Suresh Chandrakar was apprehended on January 5th in Hyderabad, while his brothers, Ritesh, Dinesh Chandrakar, and site supervisor Mahendra Ramteke, had been arrested earlier. Ritesh and Mahendra, in particular, attacked Mukesh Chandrakar with an iron rod in Room No. 11 of the crime scene, inflicting fatal injuries, after which they concealed his body in a septic tank covered with concrete.
Source: aajtak
Evidence hidden in river after crime
On the night of January 1st, Dinesh Chandrakar arrived to hide evidence and assist the accused in escaping, according to Suresh Chandrakar's pre-planned strategy. Suresh intended to stay out of town during the incident to avoid suspicion. Under this conspiracy, Ritesh, Dinesh, and Mahendra disposed of Mukesh Chandrakar's two mobile phones around 65 kilometers away in the Tumnaar River.
Suresh troubled by corruption-exposing news
Furthermore, before discarding Mukesh's mobile phones, the accused smashed them with stones. Despite police divers' efforts, the phones are yet to be recovered. During interrogation, Suresh Chandrakar admitted that Mukesh was a relative publishing critical news pieces on his channel, leading to an inquiry into his work, causing him distress.
Source: aajtak
Over 50 people questioned, crucial evidence gathered
The SIT reported that the investigation team has examined the mobile phones of the four accused over two days in isolation, based on Call Detail Records (CDR). A lot of data had been deleted from their phones, which is currently being recovered. The police have questioned more than 50 individuals, yielding some critical evidence. Efforts continue to gather information regarding the accuseds' properties.
Four main accused on 15-day judicial remand
Currently, all four accused are on a 15-day judicial remand. The crime scene remains sealed for thorough investigation. The SIT team has video-documented all interrogations, searches, and seizures as formal evidence. During the investigation, the police uncovered some crucial evidence, which the SIT has compiled in the case diary.
