Mon Jan 06 15:34:39 IST 2025: ## Bastar Journalist Murdered, Allegedly by Relative Angered by Report
**Bijapur, Chhattisgarh:** Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old journalist known for his courageous reporting on the Naxalite conflict in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, was murdered, allegedly by his own cousin, police said. Chandrakar, who rose from humble beginnings selling liquor and working as a mechanic, built a successful career in journalism, culminating in his own YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, with over 166,000 subscribers.
Chandrakar’s life was marked by hardship. Orphaned at a young age, he faced poverty and witnessed the violence inflicted by armed militias and Maoists that displaced his family. He supported himself through various jobs before pursuing his passion for journalism, working for several prominent news channels. His dedication took him to dangerous areas deep within Naxal territory, where he provided crucial ground reports. He was known for his unwavering commitment to the truth and for assisting fellow journalists navigating the challenging terrain.
His reporting often highlighted the plight of the Adivasi community, focusing on issues such as fake encounters, civilian killings, and inadequate infrastructure. His work earned him both respect and threats, with both the government and Maoists reportedly pressuring him at various times. However, according to his friends, it was allegedly a relative who ultimately took his life.
Chandrakar’s December 25th report on the poor condition of a Bijapur road, which implicated his cousin Suresh Chandrakar’s construction company, is believed to be the motive for the murder. Police have arrested Suresh’s brother, Ritesh, and allege Suresh masterminded the killing.
Colleagues described Chandrakar as a fearless journalist deeply committed to giving a voice to the voiceless. His death is a significant loss to the journalistic community and highlights the dangers faced by reporters covering conflict zones. His legacy, however, will likely endure through his impactful reporting and his YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which continues to document the realities of life in Bastar.
First Piper 