Body of Missing Indian Journalist Found in Septic Tank, Three Arrested

The body of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old Indian journalist who had reported extensively on alleged corruption in public construction projects, has been discovered in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh state.

Chandrakar, a freelance journalist, went missing on New Year’s Day. His family filed a police complaint, prompting an investigation. On Friday, January 3, his body was found in the compound of a road construction contractor in the Bijapur town area after police traced his mobile phone.

Authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the case, including two of Chandrakar’s relatives. A media watchdog has called for a thorough investigation into his death.

Initial police visits to the compound on January 2 yielded no results. However, upon further inspection on January 3, police discovered Chandrakar’s body buried beneath newly placed concrete slabs on a septic tank near a badminton court in the compound.

A senior police officer confirmed the discovery, stating that the body showed severe injuries consistent with a blunt-force trauma attack.

Chandrakar had been well-known for his investigative work exposing corruption in public infrastructure projects. He also ran a popular YouTube channel called Bastar Junction, where he covered various local issues.

The Press Council of India has urged the Chhattisgarh government to provide a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s death.

The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh expressed his shock and sadness, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and announcing the formation of a special investigation team to probe the case.

Indian media reports suggest that one of the arrested suspects is Chandrakar’s cousin, while Suresh Chandrakar, the owner of the compound where the body was found, is a relative and remains on the run.

Local journalists have staged protests, demanding that the authorities take strong action against the alleged perpetrators. Reporters Without Borders has repeatedly highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in India, especially those covering corruption or environmental issues.

This tragic incident follows the killing of Subhash Kumar Mahto in May 2022, a freelance journalist who was shot outside his home in Bihar for his reporting on illegal sand mining. According to Reporters Without Borders, India is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, with an average of three to four media workers killed annually in connection with their reporting.