Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, Known for Reporting Corruption in a Road Construction Project, Found Dead Inside a Septic Tank in Bastar
In 2021, Mukesh Chandrakar was instrumental in facilitating the release of CRPF personnel who had been abducted by Maoists following an encounter in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.
The body of 28-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, reported missing earlier, was discovered on Friday in a septic tank at a contractor’s property in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, according to the police. A murder case has been registered, and several suspects are being questioned. As reported by NDTV, the septic tank where Mukesh’s body was found had been recently sealed with concrete.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his condolences, describing Mukesh as a young and dedicated journalist. He called the incident a heartbreaking loss for journalism and society, stating, “The culprits will face the harshest punishment. I have instructed authorities to arrest those responsible at the earliest.”
Mukesh was last seen on the evening of January 1. His elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, also a journalist, filed a missing person report the next day. Using mobile tracking, police located Mukesh’s body at the property of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara Basti. Yukesh’s complaint highlighted a recent story Mukesh had published, exposing irregularities in the construction of a road from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village. The report had triggered an investigation into the project, and Yukesh claimed Mukesh had received threats from three individuals, including Suresh Chandrakar.
The Bijapur police, as cited by The Hindu, stated that the post-mortem report is still pending. Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav revealed that the site where the body was found served as quarters for workers and as a badminton court. However, he refrained from sharing details about suspects or the motive, citing the ongoing investigation.
Mukesh Chandrakar was well-regarded for his journalism, particularly for his efforts in 2021, when he played a key role in the release of CRPF personnel abducted by Maoists in Bijapur. His contributions were acknowledged by the state police, especially in the case of CRPF commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas. Mukesh had spent a decade reporting on issues like Naxal attacks and tribal affairs in Bastar, working as a stringer for a national news channel and running a popular YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which boasted over 159,000 subscribers.
National news channel resident editor Anurag Dwary paid tribute, stating, “Mukesh paid the ultimate price for exposing the truth. His sacrifice underscores the risks journalists face daily. We demand a swift and impartial investigation to ensure justice, and his work will not be forgotten.”
Mukesh’s YouTube channel featured stories on the state-maoist conflict and highlighted concerns of the tribal community. He also used his network to assist other journalists across Chhattisgarh and the country. Journalists in Bastar have condemned his murder, emphasising the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by reporters in the region.
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- Freelance Journalist
- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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