Silencing the Messengers: A deadly environment for journalists

Two journalists were killed in the first quarter of the year—Mukesh Chandrakar and Raghvendra Bajpai—while four others were physically attacked. At least six were arrested, and five faced threats and harassment, according to FSC’s tracker. These incidents reflect not just isolated acts of violence, but a broader, systematic effort to target those who challenge the status quo.

The year began with the horrifying disappearance and murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, an independent journalist who ran the YouTube channel Bastar Junction in Chhattisgarh. He was found dead three days later, stuffed into a septic tank at the home of Suresh Chandrakar, a road contractor and relative who was reportedly enraged over Mukesh’s role in a report broadcast by NDTV on poor road conditions in Bastar. The autopsy confirmed he had been brutally beaten with a heavy object. Police acted only after sustained pressure from local journalists, eventually arresting the accused near Hyderabad. Mukesh’s death starkly illustrates the hazards faced by journalists reporting from India’s hinterlands, where entrenched corruption, state apathy, and local power nexuses operate with impunity.

Three other journalists continue to remain behind bars as of May 2025. These include Rupesh Kumar Singh from Jharkhand and Irfan Mehraj from Kashmir—both incarcerated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)—and Maharashtra-based YouTuber Tushar Kharat, arrested on criminal defamation charges. Mehraj, a well-known journalist and researcher, was detained in March 2023 in a case related to alleged terror funding. Singh was taken into custody in April 2022 on accusations of aiding Maoist groups. Kharat, who runs the Marathi YouTube channel Lay Bhari, was arrested in March 2025 for allegedly defaming Maharashtra Rural Development Minister Jayakumar Gore. All three have been denied bail.

In another shocking case, at dawn on March 12, Telangana police arrested Pogadadanda Revathi, Managing Director of Pulse News, and reporter Thanvi Yadav in Hyderabad for broadcasting supposedly “abusive” content about Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. A third individual, a social media user with the handle NippuKodi, was also detained for sharing the video. The trio secured bail on March 17, following public outrage.

Meanwhile, in Assam, journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder from The CrossCurrent was arrested on March 25 for reporting on protests concerning financial irregularities in the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank. Notably, the bank’s Board includes Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP MLA Biswajit Phukan. Although released on bail a day later, Mozumder was immediately re-arrested in another case and only freed on March 29.

What links all these cases is the journalists’ association with independent digital platforms, particularly YouTube channels—signalling not only the increasing relevance of digital news spaces, but also the lack of institutional recognition and protection for those operating outside mainstream media networks. The chief ministers of the respective states—Sarma (Assam), Fadnavis (Maharashtra), and Reddy (Telangana)—have consistently denied suppressing press freedom. Sarma falsely claimed on X that no journalist had been arrested in recent times, Fadnavis accused Kharat of extortion, and Reddy outrageously called for “so-called journalists” to be stripped and beaten in public during an Assembly address.

Economic reprisal and legal harassment

The state’s hostility extended to the financial backbone of independent journalism. Two well-known investigative platforms—The Reporter’s Collective and Kannada news website The File—had their non-profit status revoked by the Income Tax Department, effectively paralysing their operations. Officials argued their journalism did not serve “public purpose,” a claim strongly refuted by the affected organisations. The Reporter’s Collective described the move as a grave setback to public interest journalism. Editors at The File maintained they operated an ad-free platform and rejected the government’s claim that it was a commercial venture.

These actions reflect a broader tactic known as ‘law fare’—the strategic weaponisation of legal and bureaucratic tools to undermine media freedom. FSC recorded at least five such cases filed against journalists during this period, cementing the notion that legal intimidation is now a key instrument of censorship.

Digital clampdown and regulatory overreach

The Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, triggered yet another crackdown on digital media. Journalists and commentators who raised valid questions about intelligence failures and security lapses found themselves targeted. Two YouTube news channels—Knocking News and 4PM News—were abruptly blocked, with the latter being accused of jeopardising national security.

Simultaneously, legislative threats to press freedom continued to mount. The Maharashtra government persisted with efforts to enact the controversial Maharashtra Public Security Bill, which proposes sweeping powers to curb undefined ‘unlawful activities’. Despite strong objections from more than a dozen journalist and civil society organisations, the bill is being pushed through. Critics argue its vague and expansive provisions are open to misuse and could criminalise legitimate journalistic work.

A wider assault on free expression

FSC’s documentation shows that attacks on free speech extend far beyond the press. Of the 329 violations tracked in the first four months of 2025, a massive 283 involved censorship of not just journalists, but academics, students, artists, comedians, and filmmakers. Among those targeted were satirists and social media commentators such as Neha Singh Rathore, Dr Madri Kakoti (aka Dr Medusa), Shamita Yadav (aka the ranting gola), and comedian Kunal Kamra—most of whom were booked under draconian sections of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Film censorship also saw an aggressive spike. Scenes from Empuraan and Phule were slashed just before or after their release, making a mockery of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) process. The situation worsened with multiple cuts ordered for Punjab 95, the denial of CBFC certification for award-winning films like Santosh, and heavy-handed censorship of foreign films on OTT platforms. The backlash culminated in violent incidents, including mob violence after a screening of Chhava in Nagpur and an attack on Dalit journalist Sanjay Ambedkar while recording public reactions to Phule in Prayagraj.

Pushback and the fight to reclaim rights

Despite the wave of intimidation, there have been determined efforts to resist. Journalists’ unions, civil liberties groups, digital rights advocates, and independent media organisations have raised their voices against these encroachments. Their interventions have kept the conversation on free speech alive and forced public attention onto the state’s shrinking tolerance for dissent.

The constitutionally enshrined right to freedom of speech and expression—Article 19(1)(a)—has come under sustained attack in recent times. The first few months of 2025 are a chilling reminder that India’s democratic fabric is fraying under the weight of censorship, intimidation, and state-sanctioned repression. But the fight to reclaim these rights continues, powered by the courage of independent journalists, artists, and citizens who refuse to be silenced.

Related:

Vanishing Media Freedom J & K, 2019-2024: Free Speech Collective

Uttarakhand High Court slams police and authority for failure in maintain law and order

Terrorism’s Shadow: Rising hatred against Indian Muslims after Pahalgam terror attack

The post India’s Free Speech Crisis Deepens: 329 violations recorded in just four months of 2025 appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Azoulay called for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into Chandrakar’s death, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. “Investigative journalists take great risks to inform society of wrongdoing, and their safety is therefore crucial in empowering populations to safeguard the public good,” she stated.

“I condemn the killing of Mukesh Chandrakar and call for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Investigative journalists take great risks to inform society of wrongdoing, and their safety is therefore crucial in empowering populations to safeguard the public good.”

• Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General

Who is Mukesh Chandrakar?

Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old investigative journalist from Chhattisgarh, was found dead in a septic tank on January 3, 2025, in Bijapur, after being missing since New Year’s Day. Known for his fearless reporting on corruption in road construction projects and the Maoist conflict in the Bastar region, Mukesh’s tragic death is suspected to be linked to his exposure of a corruption scandal. His body was discovered in the compound of Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor involved in road projects, under fresh concrete slabs.

Mukesh’s rise to prominence was marked by his unique path to journalism, transitioning from selling mahua liquor and working as a mechanic to creating the popular YouTube channel Bastar Junction, which gained 1.66 lakh subscribers. His reports on poorly maintained roads, particularly in Bijapur, led to official inquiries. His cousin, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, allegedly orchestrated the murder after being angered by Mukesh’s reporting. Mukesh’s brother, Yukesh, revealed in a heartfelt video on the channel that Mukesh had been receiving threats prior to his death.

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 and remanded to police custody by the Court.

The incident sparked widespread protests and seeking justice for Chandrakar. The Editors Guild and the Press Club of India also condemned the murder, concerning the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.

Chandrakar’s Postmortem: fractures to head, heart ripped out, broken neck

The Postpartum report of Mukesh Chandrakar revealed the shocking details in the killing of journalist. Chandrakar had 15 fractures to his head and his heart being ripped out. Chandrakar’s neck was also broken, reported the Free Press Journal. As per report, doctors also found pieces of liver and five broken ribs. After the postmortem, the doctors believed that there must have been two people involved in killing the 28-year-old journalist.

Prime suspect in Chandrakar’s murder withdraws ‘big amount’ from bank, SIT reveals

The SIT, in its statement, said that during the investigation and based on information from the banks, the prime accused, Suresh Chandrakar, had withdrawn a large sum of money from his account on December 27, four days before the incident. This matter is currently under investigation, SIT said.

However, when asked about the amount of money withdrawn from Suresh’s bank account, a senior police officer stated that it was a subject of investigation. ““Revealing the amount would hamper our investigation at this stage but money trail is being investigated,” he said, according to the Indian Express.

Asthi Kalash (urn with ashes) shattered and lying spread on the ground

In a disturbing turn of events, the disintegrated ‘Asthi Kalash’ (urn containing ashes) of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found scattered near the cremation ground in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, about 50 meters from its original location.

On January 19, when Chandrakar’s family arrived at Muktidham, they discovered that the ‘Asthi Kalash’ had gone missing from its designated spot. A subsequent search in the vicinity led them to the shattered urn, with ashes scattered across the ground. Police confirmed the discovery, though no immediate explanation has been given for the urn’s disintegration, reported Indian Express.

Mukesh Chandrakar’s cousin, Yukesh Chandrakar, took to his X handle @youareYukesh to express his anguish. He said that, “We had kept Mukesh’s ashes, someone broke the urn and scattered the ashes. Today the ritual of immersion of Mukesh’s ashes is to be completed. I came to know from somewhere that my brother was beaten to death and a bulldozer was used on him.

Are we human?”

मुकेश की अस्थियां उठाकर रखी थीं हमने, किसी ने अस्थि कलश को फोड़कर अस्थियां बिखेर डालीं ! आज मुकेश के अस्थि विसर्जन की रस्म पूरी की जानी है । मुझे कहीं से पता चला था कि भाई को अधमरा होने तक मारकर उस पर बुलडोजर चलाई गई थी !
हम इंसान हैं ?@PMOIndia @ChhattisgarhCMO@vijaysharmacg… pic.twitter.com/sbkVuBcMAN

— Yukesh Chandrakar (@youareYukesh) January 13, 2025

The urn was intended for the sacred Asthi Visarjan ritual in Kaleshwaram, Telangana, where the ashes of the deceased are immersed in holy waters.

Chhattisgarh CM announces Rs 10 Lakh aid to Chandrakar’s family

On January 14, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced an aid of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of murdered journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. Speaking to reporters at the helipad in Police Lines, Sai said, “The family of the deceased journalist will be given ₹10 lakh assistance. A building will be constructed for journalists, and it will be named after him” as Hindustan Times reported

The CM’s announcement that the construction of a dedicated building for journalists in Chandrakar’s name is seen as a tribute to his work and legacy.

Related:

Investigative Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar killed for exposing corruption

Gauri Lankesh assassination: 6 years down, no closure for family and friends, justice elusive

Gauri Lankesh Assassination: Accused denied bail by Aurangabad HC

The post Baster Journalist killing: UNESCO condemned the killing of Mukesh Chandrakar appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The other warnings are few employment opportunities, the presence of powerful mining corporations, corruption in infrastructure projects, and issues of journalists’ safety and security. Here, red lines are drawn by many other resourceful forces. The corruption shifting its base in Bastar is nothing new where freelance journalist and YouTuber Mukesh Chandrakar was born and murdered. The early life of the journalist has been punishing. Having lost his father when he was two years old, his mother, Kaushalya decided to step out of the home and became an Anganwadi worker.

Mukesh and Yunkesh, his elder brother often joined their mother in the jungle in collecting mahua and tamarind. The more money the family gathered, the better their chances of surviving in Basaguda village. But life took a different turn. With the rise of the Salwa Judum movement in the year 2005 in Chhattisgarh, the Chandrakar family shifted to a makeshift camp. They became a part of the odd 50,000 villagers who have been displaced from their homes and deprived of livelihoods. In these makeshift camps, human rights abuses were rampant, and the movement became increasingly violent and uncontrollable.

According to the Forum for Fact-finding Documentation and Advocacy survey, a huge chunk of the “officially recruited 4200 Special Police Officers (SPOs)” were minors. One another report published in The Times of India dated March 20, 2010, in a Salwa Judum elaborates further. The report says the camp in Konta, Dantewada, “Skinny, impoverished young men dressed in battle fatigues greet you at the camp”.  It says that uneducated young boys are given training to be SPOs and are paid Rs 2,150 a month. “The government gives the ‘loyal’ inmates rice at Rs 2 per kg, free oil and onions.” The report also says that Judum members cut off the supply of provisions to villages if they refuse cooperation or resist relocation. In this period of militarisation of a local movement that worked well for the government but pushed thousands of youth being used as human shields by the CRPF in the Naxal-infested region in the state, The brothers found ways to avoid being caught up in the violence. However, due to rising conflict, they deserted the makeshift camp in Basaguda and shifted to a camp in Awapalli.

Hardship and tragedy knocked on the doors of the Chandrakar family again. The hard-earned earnings slipped after their mother was detected carrying cancer. A few years later, Kaushalya succumbed to cancer in 2009. Mukesh was 17 then.

The brothers took odd jobs in the Bastar region where employment opportunities are very few. Mukesh worked in a garage. This was likely the time when the brothers decided to shift their focus toward a new career path.

After Yukesh became a journalist, Mukesh started learning tips from him and accompanied him on assignments. A quick learner, he became a stringer for outlets like Sahara Samay, Bansal News and News 18. In 2021, Mukesh launched his YouTube channel, Bastar Junction. The issue-based authentic ground reports helped the channel to grow in a backward region where Android mobiles are still out of reach for the majority of the population, electricity supply is uneven and mobile networks are rather rare. Despite all odds, the channel grew steadily. At the time of his death, the channel had around 165,000 subscribers, a number that has since grown by about 10,000.

But the 33-year-old freelance journalist was murdered a week after a news report highlighting alleged corruption in a road construction work in Bijapur was shown. The report titled Jahan shaheed huye jawan wahan kyun ho raha hai ghatiya sadak nirman? -Why is the road quality poor where martyrs died?) Aired on NDTV on December 25, 2024, first drew local public attention and later of Government officials. Incidentally, after the news aired, an inquiry was ordered by the Government that had earlier approved the road construction project and payments were made by them.

Upset with the developments, the road construction contractor Suresh Chandrakar, hatched a conspiracy to eliminate the journalist. So a plan was made along with his brothers. 

Suresh had hatched a conspiracy four to five days before the incident (January 1) along with his brothers, says the investigation done by the Special Investigation Team.

As Mukesh and Suresh were relatives, the road contractor used Ritesh, his younger brother’s friendly connection, to invite journalists to Suresh’s campsite. Both Mukesh and Ritesh have gone to Uttarakhand on a trip in 2019, says a news report, adding that they used to play badminton and spend time at the campsite located in the Chattan Para area of Bijapur. The camp site belonged to Suresh Chandrakar, the road contractor.

It was on Ritesh’s invitation over the telephone, the journalist went to have dinner at Suresh Chandrakar’s property in the Chattan Para area of Bijapur on January 1, 2025, Bijapur Police had said earlier. During the dinner, they landed in an argument with Ritesh reportedly arguing with the journalist that being a friend and a relative he should not report negatively about their road construction project. In the meanwhile, Mahendra Ramteke, who worked for Suresh as a supervisor joined Ritesh, according to the investigation.

When Mukesh did not return home in the morning and his mobile was switched off, Unkesh Chandrakar, elder brother of Mukesh lodged a missing complaint with the Bijapur Police. In his complaint, Unkesh, also a journalist, raised suspicion on Suresh Chandrakar, the road contractor.

Preliminary investigation and call details were able to connect the dots between the sudden disappearance of the journalist. His last location was found in the Chattan Para area of Bijapur where the camp site of the road contractor Suresh Chandrakar is located. Upon visiting the contractor’s premises, the police discovered freshly laid concrete over an old septic tank, Jitendra Yadav, Superintendent of Police in Bijapur told media persons.

When the fresh concrete was opened, Mukesh’s body was found in submerged water. The Police have arrested the three Chandrakar brothers, Suresh, Ritesh and Dinesh, and Mahendra Ramteke, a supervisor who works for the road contractor. The post-mortem report revealed the journalist’s skull with 15 fractures, broken five ribs, a liver split into four parts, a broken neck and damage to his heart.

Coincidentally, except for Mahendra Ramteke, the supervisor who works for the road contractor, the three brothers and Mukesh were relatives.

While many journalists operate in the region, few can act as shields to protect lives. This is possible only when you are ready to wade rivers that have bridges on record but not on the ground that has schools in villages but no teachers around and of course the villages that have all-weather roads connecting them but with no sign of roads in the ground in this part of India’s ‘red corridor’. Mukesh was of such a kind, who waded river water, reached the villages with no sign of roads settled in dense forests, and developed an understanding with security forces and Maoists in the conflict zone. In this backdrop, it reminds me of the Takalguda Naxal ambush in Bijapur in which 22 security personnel were killed. The Maoists took revenge by abducting a Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) commando.

The slain journalist played a crucial role in the release of CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas from Maoist captivity in April 2021. CoBRA is a specialised jungle warfare unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Mukesh was prepared to navigate the conflict zone in search of bitter truths, ignoring the harsh reality that it might one day cost him his life. And that was the cost freelance journalist and YouTuber, Mukesh Chandrakar had to pay. A cost for digging for the truth.

Courtesy: ENewsroom

The post Where Roads End and Courage Begins: The Life and Death of Mukesh Chandrakar appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The body of a 28-year-old journalist was found in a septic tank on the premises of a contractor whom he had recently exposed for corruption in #Chhattisgarh. #MukeshChandrakar, who worked with a local news channel, was found dead on January 3 in #Bijapur district.

Mukesh, who… pic.twitter.com/tPl7LLFAJO

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) January 4, 2025

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.

Goodbye @MukeshChandrak9 Your reporting for his soil, for society, and for humanity always be remembered. My humble requests to the politicians is that they should not play politics on his death.#MukeshChandrakar #Bastar pic.twitter.com/u99EsLOhPd

— Aarav Gautam (@IAmAarav8) January 4, 2025

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.’

The Press Club of India is shocked to learn about the murder of Bijapur (Chhattisgarh)
based young freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar.

We strongly condemn the killing and demand
time-bound action against the perpetrators.

The club also requests the @PressCouncil_IN to… pic.twitter.com/cwD1tbYEBj

— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) January 4, 2025

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.”

EGI statement on the death of journalist Mr. Mukesh Chandrakar pic.twitter.com/LtOI7oYw3T

— Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) January 4, 2025

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.

#pressreleasepci #presscouncilofindia pic.twitter.com/GMV19fLpa3

— Press Council of India (@PressCouncil_IN) January 4, 2025

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.”

The murder of #MukeshChandrakar is a grim reminder of the dangers faced by journalists who dare to expose corruption and tell the truth.

The culprits behind Mukesh’s murder must face the harshest punishment. pic.twitter.com/pPmW6qlX7O

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 5, 2025

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.”

छत्तीसगढ़ में BJP का जंगलराज

पत्रकार मुकेश चंद्राकर ने सड़क में भ्रष्टाचार का खुलासा किया था. इसके बाद से सड़क बनवाने वाला ठेकेदार नाराज था.

ठेकेदार ने मुकेश को बुलाया और उन्हें मारकर लाश को अपने घर की सैप्टिक टैंक में चुनवा दिया.

BJP के जंगलराज में कोई भी सुरक्षित नहीं है.… pic.twitter.com/vyoiCWIw0O

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 3, 2025

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.”

जोर-जोर से चिल्लाने से झूठ सच में नहीं बदल जाता प्रिय भूपेश जी!

कांग्रेसियों का मूल मंत्र है..
जो उनके भ्रष्टाचार से टकराएगा चूर-चूर हो जाएगा।

और वही किया कांग्रेसी ठेकेदार ने बीजापुर के जांबाज पत्रकार मुकेश के साथ!

हत्या के आरोपी ठेकेदार की पैरवी करने वालों ने नैतिकता..(१/४) https://t.co/WFj6XrrIIg pic.twitter.com/20M1Q7iJbU

— Arun Sao (@ArunSao3) January 4, 2025

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!”

बस्तर, छत्तीसगढ़ के पत्रकार मुकेश चंद्राकर जी की हत्या का समाचार स्तब्ध करने वाला है। खबरों के मुताबिक, मुकेश जी ने अपनी रिपोर्ट में भ्रष्टाचार का खुलासा किया था जिसके बाद उनकी बेरहमी से हत्या कर दी गई।

मेरी राज्य सरकार से मांग है कि इस मामले में सख्त और त्वरित कार्रवाई हो,… pic.twitter.com/I1TwRJXOFW

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) January 4, 2025

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.

Related:

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Gauri Lankesh memorialised as Journalist killed in Line of Duty

The post Investigative Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar killed for exposing corruption appeared first on SabrangIndia.