Three detained in murder of freelance journalist in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, three individuals have been detained in connection with the murder of 33-year-old freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. His body was discovered in a septic tank on the property of local contractor Suresh Chandrakar on Friday, after Mukesh had gone missing on January 1.

Mukesh, who worked with news outlets like NDTV and ran a YouTube channel called ‘Bastar Junction’, had been instrumental in securing the release of a CoBRA commando from Maoist captivity in 2021. He was last seen on January 1, and his family reported him missing the following day. The police traced his mobile number, which led them to Suresh Chandrakar’s property, where the body was found under a newly poured concrete slab.

Authorities suspect the murder might be connected to Mukesh’s recent reporting on alleged irregularities in road construction projects in the region, with Suresh Chandrakar reportedly involved in such work.

In response to the killing, journalists staged a road blockade in Bijapur, demanding severe action against those responsible, including the attachment of Suresh Chandrakar’s assets and the death penalty for the perpetrators. They also called for the removal of the Bijapur superintendent of police and other measures.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has promised swift action to apprehend the culprits.

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