The death of Mukesh Chandrakar, 33 a journalist known for his investigative reporting on corruption in Chhattisgarh, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of journalists and the state of Press Freedom in India. Chandrakar’s body was discovered in a septic tank on January 3, 2025, after he went missing on 31st December 2024. The reason behind is murder is linked to his recent reports exposing corruption in local road construction projects, specifically involving a contractor who is now a prime suspect in the case.
Mukesh Chandrakar was a freelance journalist. After his father’s demise in childhood, he was taking care of his mother. He did various odd jobs and during teenage years he developed a liking towards journalism. He also started a popular YouTube channel with 1.79 lakh subscribers “Bastar Junction”. His channel focused on local issues, which included corruption and the Maoist insurgency in the red corridor of India and also the mineral-rich Bastar region. He had previously played a crucial role in negotiating the release of a police commando held by Maoists. Through his YouTube channel he also interacted with villagers to raise their concerns and demands.
Being a freelance journalist, Mukesh was known for his capabilities to go to great lengths to cover stories. His work attracted significant attention. It also attracted criticism from powerful local interests, particularly for his expose stories on government contracts worth hundreds of crores. Chandrakar’s murder has sparked widespread protests among journalists and media organizations, who view it as a targeted attack on press freedom. This incident shows us the challenges faced by independent media, freelance journalists or stringers. The Press Club of India condemned the killing, calling it a “Dark Chapter” for journalism in India, and demanded immediate action against those responsible. Local journalists have staged demonstrations, demanding justice and better protections for reporters working in high-risk environments like Bastar.
Mukesh Chandrakar’s last reports focused primarily on corruption in road construction projects in Chhattisgarh. His investigative report highlighted irregularities in a road construction project from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village. This report reportedly led to a government inquiry into the contractor’s activities, which included allegations of financial misconduct related to the project. In addition to the corruption report, he also covered the poor conditions of roads in Bijapur, which were linked to the same contractor involved in the corruption allegations.
Chandrakar’s investigations and reporting on these issues are believed to have played a significant role in his murder, as they directly threatened powerful local interests. His work was not only crucial for raising awareness about corruption but also highlighted the risks faced by journalists operating in volatile regions like Bastar.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to investigate Chandrakar’s death, with three arrests made, including the Contractor . The investigation is focusing on financial transactions and communications that may provide further insights into the motives behind the murder. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation. Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has called it “heartbreaking” and promised swift justice for Chandrakar’s family.
Suresh Chandrakar, the contractor, the main accused has accepted in front of the SIT that he with the other three accused Dinesh, Ritesh and Mahendra were responsible for Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder. He also said that he became furious after Mukesh’s report on the delay of Nelasanar to Gangaloor road and also the alleged corruption proposed in his report. On the 04th of January, Bijapur authorities took a bulldozer to Suresh’s construction plant, claiming it had been illegally built on forest land.
Chandrakar’s death highlights ongoing challenges faced by journalists in India, particularly those reporting on corruption and organized crime. One of the most ironic things here is that Chhattisgarh was the first state in the country to enact the Protection of Media Persons Act, 2003. In 2024 alone, four journalists were killed in India, underscoring a troubling trend of violence against media professionals in regions where powerful interests are threatened by investigative reporting. India stands at 159th position out of the 180th countries in the World Press Freedom Index. The incident has prompted calls for stronger legal protections for journalists to ensure their safety while performing their duties. Chandrakar’s tragic death not only underscores the dangers faced by journalists in India but also raises critical questions about the state of press freedom and the need for systemic changes to protect those who dare to speak truth to power.