Chhattisgarh Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar Found Murdered; Cousin Among Key Accused

The investigative journalist, known for exposing corruption in a road project, was found dead in a septic tank, with three suspects arrested and the alleged mastermind still at large.

Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old journalist, went missing on January 1 and was found dead on January 3 in a septic tank on a contractor's property in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.
Chandrakar had recently exposed alleged corruption in a ₹120-crore road construction project, leading to an inquiry that reportedly disrupted the contractor lobby in the region.
Police have arrested three suspects, including Chandrakar's cousin Ritesh Chandrakar, while the alleged mastermind, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, remains absconding.
Authorities have formed an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) and frozen bank accounts linked to Suresh Chandrakar to ensure a thorough probe.
The murder has drawn sharp condemnation from journalists, political leaders, and the Editors Guild of India, calling for swift justice and better safety for journalists in rural areas.