The body of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old journalist from India, was found in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh state. He had been missing since New Year’s Day, and his family had reported his disappearance to the police.
On Friday, police discovered his body in the yard of a road construction contractor in the Bijapur area. They found it after tracking his mobile phone. Three people, including two of Chandrakar’s relatives, have been arrested in connection with his death. A media watchdog is asking for a full investigation.
Initially, police did not find anything when they first searched the compound on January 2. However, when they returned on January 3, they found Chandrakar’s body in a newly covered septic tank. His body showed serious injuries that suggested he had been attacked.
Chandrakar was a freelance journalist known for reporting on corruption in public construction projects. He also ran a popular YouTube channel called Bastar Junction. After his death, the Press Council of India requested a report about the case from the state government.
The chief minister of Chhattisgarh called Chandrakar’s death “heartbreaking” and said a special investigation team would look into the case. Reports say that one of the arrested suspects is Chandrakar’s cousin, while the main suspect, Suresh Chandrakar, who owns the compound, is currently on the run.
Local journalists have protested, demanding strong action against those responsible for his death. Attacks on journalists in India, especially those covering corruption and environmental issues, happen often.
According to Reporters Without Borders, India is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with an average of three to four killed each year because of their work.
-BBC
