Chhattisgarh Govt forms SIT; three held
Excelsior Correspondent
CHHATTISGARH, Jan 4: In a shocking incident, freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar (33), who played a pivotal role in securing the release of Jammu’s CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas from Maoist captivity in April 2021, has been found murdered in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district.
Chandrakar, who was known for his work in Maoist-affected areas and his reporting on local issues, was reported missing on January 1. His body was later discovered in a septic tank on a property owned by civil contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Bijapur town.
According to the police, Chandrakar’s mobile phone was tracked, leading investigators to the property.
The septic tank where his body was found had been freshly cast with concrete slabs, raising suspicions of foul play.
While the prime accused, Suresh Chandrakar, remains absconding, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime.
These include Suresh’s relatives, Ritesh Chandrakar and Dinesh Chandrakar, and a supervisor named Mahendra Ramteke.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed that Suresh Chandrakar, a Congress leader and an office bearer in Bijapur, is the main suspect in the murder.
Four police teams have been formed to track him down, and efforts to freeze his bank accounts and those of other accused have already been initiated.
The authorities have also launched action against the illegal properties and encroachments associated with Suresh.
Chandrakar, who worked as a freelance journalist for news channels like NDTV and ran his own YouTube channel ‘Bastar Junction’, had been involved in reporting on sensitive issues in the region, including corruption in local Government projects.
One such investigation, which aired on NDTV on December 25, exposed irregularities in road construction in Bijapur, allegedly linked to Suresh Chandrakar’s business operations. This exposé is believed to be the motive behind his murder.
His death is being seen as a major blow to the ongoing peace efforts in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
Hailing Chandrakar for his contributions to journalism, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma stressed that his murder had created a significant setback to efforts aimed at peace in the conflict-ridden area.
The Chhattisgarh Government has announced the formation of an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Mayank Gurjar to thoroughly investigate the case.
Police are expected to file a chargesheet in 3-4 weeks, and the government has vowed to seek a speedy trial in the case.
Chandrakar’s role in facilitating the release of CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas from Maoist captivity in April 2021 following the Takalguda Naxal ambush, in which 22 security personnel lost their lives, was also widely appreciated.
His contributions to local reporting and peace efforts in a region plagued by Maoist insurgency made him a prominent figure in the media landscape.
Following his murder, several media bodies, including the Press Association, Editors Guild of India, Press Club of India, and Indian Women Press Corps, have condemned the killing and called for a swift investigation and action against the perpetrators. They have urged the Chhattisgarh government to ensure justice for the slain journalist.
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