Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old independent journalist, was found dead in a septic tank on a contractor's premises in Bijapur after receiving a call from the contractor's cousin to meet them. Mukesh's body was discovered after his brother filed a police complaint when he did not return from the meeting. Authorities are investigating if his death is connected to any of his recent journalistic work in the Bastar region.
Mukesh Chandrakar: Independent Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank
On November 23, 2022, the body of 28-year-old independent journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was discovered in a septic tank on a contractor's premises in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The discovery sent shockwaves through the media and human rights communities, raising concerns over the safety of journalists in India.
Background
Mukesh Chandrakar was an ardent critic of the government's policies in the conflict-ridden Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. He had reported on issues such as alleged police atrocities, land acquisition, and the impact of mining on indigenous communities. His work had angered local authorities and powerful interests in the region.
The Incident
On November 22, 2022, Mukesh received a call from the cousin of Pawan Sahu, a contractor known for his close ties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mukesh, who often met sources on contractors' premises, agreed to visit the site on the outskirts of Bijapur.
However, Mukesh never returned from the meeting. His brother filed a missing person's complaint on November 23rd, and a search operation ensued. Mukesh's body was eventually found in the septic tank on the contractor's premises the following day.
Investigation
The Bijapur police have launched an investigation into Mukesh's death, but no arrests have been made yet. The focus of the investigation is on whether Mukesh's journalistic work played a role in his death.
Reactions
Mukesh's death has been condemned by journalists, human rights activists, and political leaders across the country. Many have demanded an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who was Mukesh Chandrakar? Mukesh Chandrakar was an independent journalist who covered the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
2. How did Mukesh die? Mukesh's body was found in a septic tank on the premises of a contractor who allegedly had ties to the ruling party in Chhattisgarh.
3. Is Mukesh's death connected to his journalistic work? The investigation is ongoing, but there are concerns that Mukesh's death may be related to his critical reporting on local authorities and powerful interests.
4. What was the reaction to Mukesh's death? There has been widespread condemnation and demands for an independent inquiry into Mukesh's death.
5. Is there a history of journalist killings in India? Unfortunately, there is a history of journalists being killed in India, particularly those who cover sensitive issues or expose corruption.
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