In a shocking discovery, the lifeless body of TV journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found on January 3 in a septic tank on the property of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Mukesh had mysteriously vanished on January 1, prompting his family to report him missing. The police raided Suresh's home, leading to the grim finding in the water tank. Despite its deteriorated condition, the body was identified as Mukesh Chandrakar by his clothing.
Curiously, on January 1, Suresh's brother Ritesh had summoned Mukesh to a property, after which Mukesh's phone went silent. Bijapur police uncovered Mukesh's remains in a tank at Suresh's property. The contractor lobby wields significant influence in Bastar, with accusations of bribery to secure large government projects. Journalists exposing such underhand dealings face threats and dangers.
Taking the issue seriously, the Bijapur police have launched a thorough investigation, questioning contractor Suresh Chandrakar and his brother Ritesh. Preliminary findings suggest foul play, while the police delve deeper to unearth clues. This suspicious death has highlighted the tense relations between media personnel and the contractor lobby in Bastar.
Notably, journalist Mukesh Chandrakar had exposed contractor Suresh Chandrakar's corrupt practices. Suresh, holding a lucrative 1.2 billion rupees contract for road construction in Bastar, came under scrutiny due to Mukesh's reporting, prompting a government-ordered investigation. Since January 1, Mukesh remained unreachable, with suspicions of foul play lingering as his body was discovered in a tank at the accused contractor's premises. The body had reportedly been concealed and plastered over, raising police suspicions.
CM Demands Strict Action Against Culprits
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai took to social media platform 'X' to express his grief: 'The news of the murder of Bijapur's young and dedicated journalist Mukesh Chandrakar is deeply saddening and heart-wrenching. Mukesh's untimely demise is an irreparable loss to journalism and society. The perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly. We have ordered the arrest and strict punishment of the culprits. May the departed soul rest in peace, and may the grieving family find courage in this sorrowful time. Om Shanti.'
Congress Criticizes Government
Chhattisgarh's Congress General Secretary, Subodh Haritwal, expressed his anguish, stating that it's a slap in the face of the state government's failure to protect its journalists. He criticized the Vishnudev administration for not implementing a journalist protection law seriously. He questioned if journalists have lost their right, if anyone speaks against a corrupt contractor like Shiji, is he allowed to be silenced? If someone speaks out against wrongdoings, will they be silenced?
Police Comment on the Case
Bastar IG P Sunderraj stated that Mukesh Chandrakar had been missing since January 1. A case was registered, and a special team was formed for the investigation. On Friday, his body was recovered from a septic tank on Suresh Chandrakar's premises. An autopsy is being conducted, and suspects are being interrogated regarding this disturbing event.
