Three individuals have been arrested following the discovery of Mukesh Chandrakar’s body on January 3 in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur. His body was found stuffed in a septic tank.
Various media watchdogs and journalism organizations in India are calling for a thorough investigation after the body of a freelance journalist was found in a septic tank in Bijapur, India. The journalist had previously exposed alleged corruption in a road construction project.
Police have taken three individuals, including two of the victim’s cousins, into custody in connection with the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, aged 28.
Chandrakar was known for his reporting on corruption and Maoist rebellion in the state, running a popular YouTube channel called “Bastar Junction”.
The Press Council of India and the Editors Guild of India have both expressed concern over Chandrakar’s killing, urging for a swift investigation and justice for the perpetrators.
Chandrakar’s body was discovered on January 3 in Bijapur after his family reported him missing and police tracked his mobile phone records.
The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, called the incident “heartbreaking” and promised severe punishment for those responsible.
Priyanka Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party, also condemned the incident and called for strict action against the culprits.
India was ranked 159th on the World Press Freedom Index last year, according to Reporters Without Borders.
