Kumar Bahukhandi
Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar – File photo
The prime accused in the murder of Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who had recently exposed alleged corruption in the Rs 120 crore road construction project from Gangalur to Hiroli in the Bastar region, has been identified as his own cousin. He was known for his investigative reports.
The prime accused in the murder of Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has been identified as his cousin. Ritesh Chandrakar is among the three people arrested for the murder of 28-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. Mukesh had recently exposed alleged corruption in the Rs 120 crore road construction project from Gangalur to Hiroli in the Bastar region. Mukesh Chandrakar was known for his investigative reports. The initial tender for the project was Rs 50 crore, but it was later increased to Rs 120 crore. The project was with contractor Suresh Chandrakar. After Mukesh’s revelations, the state government launched an investigation, which created a stir in the contractor lobby of the region.
Meeting with Mukesh on the night of January, 1. 2025
Suresh Chandrakar’s brother Ritesh had reportedly fixed a meeting of the contractor with Mukesh on the night of January 1. After the meeting, Mukesh’s phone went off and his elder brother Yukesh Chandrakar reported him missing. The journalist’s body was found two days later in a septic tank located on one of Suresh’s properties in Chattanpara, where he was last seen. The police have arrested three suspects, including Ritesh and another family member Dinesh Chandrakar. However, Suresh, the contractor at the center of the corruption, is still absconding.
According to police sources, Mukesh and Ritesh shared a good friendship. They often met at the property where the journalist’s body was found. Despite their good friendship, the relationship soured due to Mukesh’s work exposing corruption in the road project. However, there were no direct threats to Mukesh’s family.
Created his own channel
Mukesh started his journalism career in 2012 and later created his YouTube channel Bastar Junction, which has more than 1.59 lakh subscribers. Mukesh, a resident of Basaguda village in Bijapur, was known for his fearless reporting on local issues. The state government has assured an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the police are searching for Suresh Chandrakar and questioning several suspects related to the case.
Bulldozer action on the accused contractor’s hideouts
In the Mukesh Chandrakar murder case, the administration has started action with JCB on the hideouts of accused Suresh Chandrakar. The administration is taking action with JCB on illegal construction. Apart from this, SIT has been formed in the case of Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder. Suresh Chandrakar’s three bank accounts have been seized for investigation.
Priyanka Gandhi demands compensation for the family
Wayanad MP and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has condemned the murder of the journalist. She wrote on social media, ‘The news of the murder of Bastar, Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar ji is shocking. According to reports, Mukesh ji had exposed corruption in his report, after which he was brutally murdered. 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 the family of the deceased should be considered for proper compensation and job. Humble tribute.’
