Indian Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank After Reporting on Corruption
Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old journalist from India, was found dead in a septic tank after going missing on New Year’s Day. According to BBC, Chandrakar had been reporting on corruption in public construction projects before his disappearance.
His family reported him missing, and police later found his body in the compound of a road construction contractor in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Officers discovered the body on January 3 after tracking his phone, though they initially found nothing during a search on January 2.
Police said the body was hidden under a newly placed concrete slab, and Chandrakar had severe injuries from a blunt weapon.
So far, three people have been arrested, including two relatives, while the main suspect, who owns the compound and is also related to Chandrakar, is still on the run. Local journalists, upset by the killing, have protested, demanding strict punishment for those responsible.
Chandrakar was a freelance journalist known for exposing corruption in public works. He also ran a popular YouTube channel called Bastar Junction, where he reported on issues affecting the local community. BBC noted that his death has sparked outrage, with the Press Council of India asking the state government to explain what happened.
The chief minister of Chhattisgarh called the incident “heartbreaking” and announced that a special investigation team (SIT) has been set up to handle the case.
BBC added that violence against journalists in India is not unusual, especially for those who report on corruption or environmental issues.
In a similar case in 2022, Subhash Kumar Mahto, a journalist who exposed illegal sand mining, was shot dead outside his home. Reporters Without Borders has pointed out that around three to four journalists are killed in India every year because of their work, making the country one of the most dangerous places for media professionals.
This tragic case shows how dangerous it can be for journalists in India to report on powerful people involved in illegal activities.
Local journalists and media watchdogs, as BBC highlighted, are pushing for justice to ensure that those behind such crimes are held accountable.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clygl0rjy2no