Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank; Three Detained in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

GG News Bureau
Bijapur, 4th Jan. A 33-year-old freelance journalist, Mukesh Chandrakar, was found murdered, with his body recovered from a septic tank on a local contractor’s property in Bijapur district on Friday. Police have detained three individuals in connection with the case and are interrogating them.

Mukesh, known for his investigative reports and his role in securing the release of a CoBRA commando from Maoist captivity in 2021, went missing on January 1. His body was discovered after police tracked his mobile to the property of contractor Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara Basti. The septic tank had been recently covered with a fresh concrete slab.

According to preliminary investigations, the murder may be linked to a report Mukesh had recently filed, exposing irregularities in road construction projects allegedly involving the contractor.

Journalists in Bijapur held a symbolic road blockade on National Highway 36, demanding strict action, including the attachment of the contractor’s properties, sealing of his bank accounts, and a death sentence for those responsible. Protestors also called for the removal of the Bijapur superintendent of police, alleging inaction.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai assured swift action, pledging the arrest of the culprits. Meanwhile, the Raipur Press Club has urged the state government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a thorough probe.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the press community, with journalists warning of an indefinite road blockade if their demands remain unmet.