Mukesh Chandrakar: Indian media bodies seek investigation into journalist’s murder | News
Three arrested after Mukesh Chandrakar’s body was found in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur on January 3.
India’s media watchdog and other journalism organizations have called for a thorough investigation after the body of a freelance journalist who exposed alleged corruption in a road construction project was found stuffed in a septic tank in Bijapur in the central state of Chhattisgarh.
Police have arrested at least three people, including two of his relatives, in connection with the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar (28).
Chandrakar has reported extensively on corruption and the Maoist insurgency in the mineral-rich state. He ran the popular YouTube channel “Bastar Junction”.
The Press Council of India expressed “concern” over Chandrakar’s murder, calling for a report on the “facts of the case” in a statement late on Saturday.
The Editors’ Guild of India also said it was “deeply disturbed” by the development. “The safety of journalists – especially those working in smaller towns and rural areas – is of utmost importance,” the statement said.
“The Editors’ Guild urges the Government of Chhattisgarh to spare no effort in investigating the case expeditiously and bringing the culprits to book.”
Chandrakar’s body was found on January 3 in Bijapur after police traced his mobile phone details after his family reported him missing.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), called Chandrakar’s death “heartbreaking” and promised the “severest punishment” for those found responsible.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expressed shock over the incident and demanded strict action against the perpetrators.
“I demand from the state authorities that strict and urgent measures be taken in this case, that the culprits be severely punished and that the family of the deceased be provided with adequate compensation and a job,” she said.
Last year, India was ranked 159th in the World Press Freedom Index, conducted by Reporters Without Borders.
