Body of missing Indian journalist found in septic tank

The body of an Indian journalist who had reported on alleged corruption in the country was found in a septic tank in the state of Chhattisgarh.

Mukesh Chandrakar, 32, went missing on New Year’s Day and his family filed a police complaint.

His body was found on Friday at a road construction contractor’s compound in Bijapur city area after officers tracked his mobile phone.

Three people have been arrested in connection with his death, reportedly including two of his relatives. A media watchdog has demanded a thorough investigation.

Bijapur district police found nothing during an initial visit to the complex on January 2.

“However, after further inspection on January 3, we discovered Mukesh’s body in the newly laid septic tank near the badminton court,” said a senior police officer, referring to the fact that slabs of septic tank had been laid. concrete on top of the tank.

Police said his body showed serious injuries consistent with a blunt attack.

Chandrakar, a freelance journalist, had reported extensively on alleged corruption in public construction projects.

He also ran a popular YouTube channel, Bastar Junction.

Following his death, the Press Council of India sought a report “on the facts of the case” from the state government.

The state chief minister described Chandrakar’s death as “heartbreaking”.

In a post on X, he said that a special investigation team had been formed to investigate the case.

Indian media reported that one of those arrested for the death of the journalist is his cousin.

One of the main suspects, the owner of the complex, Suresh Chandrakar, also a relative, is absconding.

Local journalists have staged a protest demanding strict measures against the alleged perpetrators.

Attacks on journalists who report on corruption or environmental degradation are not uncommon in India.

In May 2022, Subhash Kumar Mahto, a freelance journalist known for his reporting on people involved in illegal sand mining, was shot dead in the head by four unidentified men outside his home in Bihar.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has said an average of three or four journalists are killed each year in connection with their work in India, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world for the media.