Body of missing Indian journalist found in septic tank
The body of an Indian journalist reporting on alleged corruption in the country has been found in a septic tank in the state of Chhattisgarh.
Mukesh Chandrakar, 32, went missing on New Year’s Day and his family lodged a police complaint.
His body was found on Friday at the premises of a road construction contractor in Bijapur Town area after officials tracked his mobile phone.
Three people have been arrested in connection with his death, including reportedly two of his relatives. A media watchdog has demanded a thorough investigation.
Bijapur district police did not find anything during their initial visit to the premises on January 2.
“However, after further inspection on January 3, we found Mukesh’s body in the newly constructed septic tank near the badminton court,” said a senior police officer, referring to the fact that concrete slabs were placed over the tank.
Police said his body showed serious wounds from blunt-force attack.
Mr Chandrakar, a freelance journalist, has reported extensively on alleged corruption in public works projects and the decades-old Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh.
He also runs a popular YouTube channel, Bastar Junction.
Following his death, the Press Council of India sought a report from the state government “on the facts of the case”.
The state chief minister described Mr Chandrakar’s death as “heartbreaking”.
in a post on xHe said that a special investigation team has been formed to investigate the matter.
It has been reported in Indian media that one of those arrested in connection with the journalist’s death is his cousin, while one of the main suspects – the owner of the premises – has fled.
Local journalists have protested demanding strict action against the alleged criminals.
Attacks on journalists reporting on corruption or environmental degradation are not uncommon in India.
In May 2022, Subhash Kumar Mahato, an independent journalist known for his reporting on people involved in illegal sand mining, was shot dead in the head by four unidentified men outside his home in Bihar.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has said that an average of three or four journalists are killed in India every year in the course of their work, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world for media.
