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Investigative Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar killed for exposing corruption

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32-year-old investigative journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found dead in a septic tank in Bijapur. Known for exposing corruption in road projects and Maoist conflict, Mukesh's murder is under investigation. Authorities have arrested several individuals, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar and his relatives
Image: Screenshot from YouTube/Bastar Junction.

On January 3, the dead body of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh, was discovered in a septic tank, fuelling suspicions of foul play linked to his investigative work and exposing corruption within the region. Chandrakar, who had been missing since New Year’s Day, was found on January 3 in the compound of a road construction contractor. Suresh Chandrakar in Bijapur. His family had reported him missing, and police, after tracking his mobile phone, discovered the body, which had been concealed under fresh concrete slabs.

Chandrakar, known for his in-depth reports on alleged corruption in public construction projects, was also the host of a popular YouTube channel. His family claims he had been receiving threats for exposing a scam related to a road project, suggesting his tragic death may have been a targeted attack. Hours before his body was found, his brother posted a heartfelt video on the channel, appealing for help and revealing the emotional devastation of losing his brother.

Who is Mukesh Chandrakar?

Mukesh Chandrakar, a fearless investigative journalist known for his ground reporting in Chhattisgarh’s conflict-ridden Bastar region, had a remarkable trajectory. From his humble beginnings of selling mahua liquor and working as a mechanic, he transitioned to journalism by renting an office and eventually starting his YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which garnered 1.66 lakh subscribers. At just 32, Mukesh had carved a niche for himself, bringing attention to crucial issues, especially in a region plagued by Maoist violence and corruption.

Born in Basaguda, a village severely impacted by the armed conflict of the mid-2000s, Mukesh’s early life was marked by hardship. His family, displaced by the violence, sought refuge in a government shelter in Bijapur. After the death of his father when Mukesh was a child and his mother’s untimely death in 2013, Mukesh, along with his brother Yukesh, persevered through the challenges.

Mukesh’s reporting on the dire state of a road in Bijapur, which was tied to his cousin’s construction contract, led to an official inquiry. Angered by the story, Mukesh’s cousin, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, allegedly orchestrated his murder, with his brother Ritesh carrying out the act. Mukesh’s death reflects the risks faced by journalists exposing corruption in volatile regions, as Indian Express reported.

Press Club and Editors Guild express concern over journalist’s safety

On January 4, the Press Club of India expressed its shock and condemnation over the brutal murder of Mukesh Chandrakar. The Club strongly condemned the killing, calling for swift, time-bound action against the perpetrators. In a statement, the club said, “We strongly condemn the killing and demand time-bound action against the perpetrators.”

The Press Club also requests the Press Council of India to take cognisance of the matter and demand that the state government take appropriate action. The Club urged that, “The state government should immediately look into the long-standing demand of local journalists to enact a law to protect journalists.’

On January 4, the Editors Guild of India issued a strong statement expressing deep concern over the brutal murder of Mukesh Chandrakar. The Guild condemned the suspected killing and raised alarm over the apparent foul play behind his death and said that, “The young journalist’s death is a matter of grave concern as it raises suspicion of foul play.” The Guild, urging the Chhattisgarh government to expedite the investigation and ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice, expressed that, “The Editors Guild calls on the government of Chhattisgarh to spare no efforts in investigating the case speedily and bringing the guilty to book.”

The Editors Guild highlighted the broader issue of journalist safety, particularly for those working in smaller towns and rural areas. “The safety of journalists, especially those working in smaller towns and rural areas, is of paramount importance,” the statement continued. “Authorities across the country must ensure that no harm or hindrance is caused to journalists in the course of their professional duties.”

The Guild further mentioned the essential role of a free press in a functioning democracy. “A free press that is allowed to work without fear is important for any democracy. While the Editors Guild grieves Mr. Chandrakar’s death, it hopes that his passing under unnatural circumstances will serve as a wake-up call and prompt better measures for journalist protection. The country must not let Mr. Chandrakar’s death go entirely in vain.”

Press Council seeks report from Chhattisgarh Government over killing, takes suo moto action

On January 4, the Press Council of India took suo moto cognizance of the suspected brutal killing of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. It has requested a report on the case from the Chhattisgarh government. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the Press Council, also expressed deep concern over the incident.

Mukesh Chandrakar’s heroic role in CoBRA mission

Mukesh Chandrakar played a heroic role in securing the release of CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, who had been held captive by Maoists in April 2021. This occurred after the deadly Takalguda Naxal ambush in Bijapur, where 22 security personnel were martyred. The CoBRA Battalion, a specialized unit of the CRPF focused on jungle warfare, had been involved in the ambush. Mukesh, alongside six other journalists, helped facilitate negotiations between the security forces and the Maoists, ensuring the safe return of the captured CoBRA jawan.

Public protests demand justice, held Candle march

The brutal murder of Mukesh Chandrakar has ignited widespread protests. On Sunday, January 5, members of the Mahar community organized a candle march, demanding the death penalty for the accused. Journalists also took to the streets, staging a protest at the Raipur Press Club, calling for swift and severe action against those responsible for the journalist’s death.

The candle march began at Ambedkar Bhawan and concluded at Jaistambh Chowk. RD Jhadi, a patron of the Mahar Samaj, stated that all those involved in the murder should face the harshest punishment, as reported in The Print.

Murder of Chandrakar is a grim reminder of the danger faced by Journalists: Kejriwal

While condemning the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar and expressing concern over the safety of journalists, AAP President and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated, “The killing of Mukesh Chandrakar is a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists who expose corruption and speak the truth. The perpetrators of Mukesh’s murder must receive the harshest punishment.”

Arrest of key suspect in journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s Murder

Days after a Chhattisgarh-based journalist was found murdered, the key suspect in the murder of Bastar journalist and YouTuber Mukesh Chandrakar, Suresh Chandrakar, was arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Bijapur police from Hyderabad on the night of January 5, 2025. Police confirmed the arrest after the body of Mukesh was discovered on January 3, hidden in a septic tank at a property owned by Suresh in Chattanpara Basti, Bijapur. Three others involved in the crime—Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and supervisor Mahendra Ramteke—have already been arrested in connection with the case.

In response to the crime, authorities have moved to seize Suresh Chandrakar’s illegal properties. A construction yard that he had established after encroaching on forest land along the Bijapur-Gangaloor Road has already been demolished. Furthermore, police have initiated steps to freeze Suresh Chandrakar’s bank accounts, with three of his accounts already put on hold.

Alleged motive: corruption in road construction and alleged tide with Congress and BJP

A news report aired on NDTV on December 25, 2024, exposing alleged corruption in a road construction project in Bijapur, is believed to have triggered the murder. The project, linked to contractor Suresh Chandrakar, is seen as the possible motive for the crime. Additionally, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma claimed that Suresh Chandrakar had ties with the Congress party, while opposition parties assert that he recently joined the ruling BJP.

BJP’s Jungle Raj in Chhattisgarh, Congress condemned the killing

On January 3, Congress criticized the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh government over the brutal killing of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, questioning the state’s law and order. In a post on its official X handle, Congress wrote:

“BJP’s jungle raj in Chhattisgarh.

Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar exposed corruption in road construction. Enraged by his findings, the contractor responsible for the road lured Mukesh, killed him, and dumped his body in the septic tank of his own house.

In BJP’s jungle raj, no one is safe. The law-and-order situation is in complete disarray.

It’s no surprise that the media won’t highlight this issue or challenge the BJP government, as the ‘Sab Changa Si’ mode is on.

We demand swift and strict action in this case. Mukesh’s family deserves justice, and it should be delivered without delay.”

Chhattisgarh government formed SIT probe; alleged accused tied with Congress

Following the incident, the Chhattisgarh government’s orders SIT probe over the incident. BJP alleged a strong connection between the prime accused, Suresh Chandrakar, and the Congress party. Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Rao took to his X handle

 “A lie does not turn into truth by shouting loudly, dear Bhupesh ji!

This is the basic mantra of Congressmen.

Anyone who comes in contact with their corruption will be crushed to pieces.

And the Congress contractor did the same with brave journalist Mukesh of Bijapur!

Those defending the contractor accused of murder raised concerns about morality.”

Letter of boycott of Mukesh Chandrakar by Congress viral on social media

Amidst allegations linking the accused contractor, Suresh Chandrakar, to the Congress party, a letter dated April 29, 2024, from the District Bijapur Congress Committee has gone viral on social media. The letter reveals that journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, along with his colleagues Ishwar Soni, Ranjan Das, and Chetan, was officially boycotted by the district Congress committee. This action was taken after the journalists were accused of publishing and reporting false news about Bijapur MLA Vikram Mandavi. The controversy surrounding this letter has fuelled further speculation and debate, with critics questioning the motives behind the boycott.

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi also condemned the killing, demand strict action

Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the killing of Mukesh Chandrakar. She expressed her condolences through her X handle and wrote that, “The news of the murder of Bastar, Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar is shocking. According to reports, Mukesh was brutally murdered after he exposed corruption in his report. I demand from the state government that strict and immediate action should be taken in this case, the culprits should be given severe punishment and proper compensation and job should be considered for the family of the deceased.

Humble tribute!”

The tragic death of Mukesh Chandrakar, a courageous 32-year-old freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh, has not only shocked the nation but also highlighted the grave risks faced by journalists in volatile regions. Chandrakar, known for his investigative reporting on corruption within public construction projects, was discovered murdered in a septic tank, raising suspicions that his death was directly linked to his work exposing illegal activities. His death underscores the vulnerability of journalists who dare to challenge powerful figures in corrupt systems. Mukesh’s fearless reporting and his YouTube channel, “Bastar Junction,” gave voice to the marginalized and shed light on corruption and violence in Chhattisgarh’s conflict-ridden Bastar region.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern from press organizations like the Press Club of India and the Editors Guild, who have demanded swift justice and stronger protections for journalists. The brutal killing is a stark reminder of the critical need for legal safeguards and enhanced security for those who report the truth. The ongoing investigation into Mukesh’s murder, with arrests made, is an important step, but it also highlights the urgent need to address the broader issue of journalist safety. Mukesh Chandrakar’s death must serve as a catalyst for stronger measures to protect journalists and ensure that such atrocities do not go unpunished.


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