Chattisgarh: Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s Body Found in Septic Tank, Murder Probe Launched

The body of 28-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who had been missing since January 1, was found on Friday in a septic tank at a contractor’s property in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Police have launched a murder investigation and are questioning several suspects in connection with the case.

According to Bijapur Police, Mukesh's body was discovered in a septic tank that had been recently sealed with concrete. The discovery came after a mobile tracking operation led investigators to the property of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara Basti, reported NDTV.

Mukesh's elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, a television journalist, filed a missing person report the day after Mukesh went missing. The police later traced his phone's location, leading them to the site where the body was found. Yukesh's complaint pointed to a recent news story Mukesh had covered, which raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the construction of a road project between Gangaloor and Nelasanar village. This report had led to an investigation into the project and threats from three individuals, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his sorrow over Mukesh's death, calling it "sad and heartbreaking." He added, "Mukesh ji's demise is an irreparable loss for journalism and society." The Chief Minister assured the public, stating, “The culprit will not be spared under any circumstances. I have given instructions to arrest the criminals as soon as possible and ensure the harshest punishment for them.”

The police have yet to release a post-mortem report, and the investigation is still in its early stages, reported The Hindu. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav confirmed that the compound where the body was discovered had been used as housing for workers and a space for recreational activities like badminton. However, he did not reveal details about the suspects or the possible motive behind the murder.

Mukesh was known for his reporting on issues affecting the Bastar region, particularly regarding Maoist insurgency and state responses. In 2021, Mukesh played a crucial role in securing the release of CRPF personnel who had been abducted by Maoists during an encounter in Bijapur. His efforts were widely praised by the state police, and he was credited with aiding in the release of CRPF commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas.

With over a decade of experience in journalism, Mukesh worked as a stringer for a major national news channel and ran the popular YouTube channel Bastar Junction, which had more than 159,000 subscribers. His channel focused on the ongoing conflict between the state and Maoists, as well as on issues concerning the tribal communities in Bastar.

His death has been met with widespread condemnation from fellow journalists in Bastar, who highlight the dangerous working conditions that reporters face in the area.​