Journalist Killed in Chhattisgarh: What We Know Thus Far
Fatal Attack Could be Linked to Investigative Report on Corruption
January 5, 2025
Photo: Screenshot/Facebook
A 33-year-old journalist, Mukesh Chandrakar, was killed in Chhattisgarh, prompting an investigation by the authorities. He had exposed possible corruption in a 1.2 billion rupees road project. Police have arrested three suspects, including two of his relatives and a construction supervisor.
Police discovered the remains of Mukesh from a septic tank on Jan. 3, two days after he reportedly went missing. He had sustained multiple injuries, and his body was located on a property associated with a contractor named Suresh Chandrakar, who is under scrutiny.
Police say they are examining whether Mukesh’s recent investigative stories played a role in his death.
Mukesh had exposed possible corruption in road project from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village, alleging that costs ballooned without any change to the scope of work. The plan, commissioned in 2010 at a cost of around 730 million rupees, eventually grew to nearly 1.8 billion rupees by 2021.
Mukesh’s reportage caused government officials to launch an inquiry into the project, which may have upset powerful interests. Mukesh last met with individuals linked to this project just hours before his disappearance.
The three arrested in relation to the case include Mukesh’s cousin Ritesh Chandrakar, another relative Dinesh Chandrakar and a construction supervisor named Mahendra Ramteke.
Bastar Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj has told media that Ritesh and another suspect assaulted Mukesh, while Dinesh attempted to conceal the evidence. Authorities are also investigating the involvement of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in the case.
District officials have reportedly bulldozed a “construction yard” belonging to Suresh, alleging it was built on forest land.
Mukesh and Ritesh shared a friendly relationship until Mukesh’s corruption expose of the road project caused friction. The journalist had gone missing on Jan. 1, shortly after receiving a call from Ritesh, who arranged a meeting with the contractor.
When Mukesh failed to return and his phone went offline, his brother Yukesh Chandrakar, also a journalist, registered a missing person complaint on Jan. 2. Investigators eventually uncovered a recently sealed septic tank lid at the property, broke it open and found Mukesh’s remains inside.
Suresh Chandrakar is reportedly an influential figure with ties to major construction and mining projects, as well as local politics.
Conflicting claims have emerged about his party affiliation.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief and promised stringent action, while Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced that an 11-member Special Investigation Team would handle the case.
Mukesh began working as a freelance journalist in 2012, contributing to various news outlets, including NDTV, and operating a YouTube channel “Bastar Junction.” He focused his reporting on local corruption, infrastructure development and security issues in the region.
Mukesh had played a key role in negotiating the release of CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, who was abducted by Maoists in 2021 after an ambush that left multiple security personnel dead.
Local journalists staged protests in the region, urging the suspension or transfer of senior police officials. They warned of an indefinite road blockade if their demands remain unmet. The Press Club of India also released a statement urging authorities to protect press freedom and conduct a thorough investigation.
