Sun Jan 05 12:30:00 IST 2025: ## Bijapur Journalist Brutally Murdered, Three Arrested
**Bijapur, Chhattisgarh:** Mukesh Chandrakar, a journalist from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, was brutally murdered on January 1st, 2024, allegedly by three men who conspired to eliminate him for exposing corruption. His body was found in a septic tank, cemented shut, highlighting the extreme brutality of the crime.
Chandrakar, known for his reporting on Naxal violence, had recently exposed corruption in a road construction project led by Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor and state secretary of the Congress Scheduled Caste cell. This exposé, which aired on a national television channel, prompted an investigation by the Public Works Department (PWD) minister.
Police have arrested Ritesh Chandrakar (Suresh’s brother), Dinesh Chandrakar (Suresh’s brother), and Mahendra Ramteke, a supervisor. Suresh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind, remains at large but is believed to be in Hyderabad. A police team has been dispatched to apprehend him.
The investigation revealed that the three accused lured Chandrakar to Suresh Chandrakar’s construction site. There, Ritesh and Ramteke bludgeoned him to death with iron rods. They then disposed of the body in a septic tank and later cemented it shut. The brothers then disposed of evidence, including Chandrakar’s mobile phone and the murder weapons.
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police, Sundarraj P., announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the case. Three bank accounts belonging to Suresh Chandrakar have been frozen, and investigations into his assets are ongoing. His illegally constructed construction yard has been demolished.
The murder has sparked outrage amongst journalists and civil society organizations across the state and country. Protests and demonstrations have been held in Bijapur and Raipur, demanding swift justice. Local authorities have assured protesters of a thorough investigation and harsh punishment for the culprits. Several prominent politicians and officials have paid their respects to the deceased journalist.
First Piper 