Mon Jan 06 08:00:45 UTC 2025: ## Journalist’s Murder: Mastermind Arrested After Extensive Manhunt
**Hyderabad, India –** The alleged mastermind behind the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has been arrested. Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor and distant relative of the victim, was apprehended Sunday night in Hyderabad after a week-long manhunt. Police tracked him to his driver’s residence, utilizing footage from over 200 CCTV cameras and tracing hundreds of mobile phone numbers.
Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old journalist who contributed to NDTV, was found dead in a septic tank in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, last week. A post-mortem revealed he died from severe head, chest, back, and stomach injuries inflicted by a blunt object. His body was identified by a tattoo.
Three other individuals have already been arrested: Ritesh Chandrakar (a cousin), Mahendra Ramteke (a supervisor), and Dinesh Chandrakar (another relative). Preliminary investigations suggest Ritesh and Mahendra bludgeoned Mukesh to death following an argument, subsequently hiding the body and destroying evidence. Dinesh allegedly helped conceal the body. Suresh Chandrakar is believed to have orchestrated the murder.
Following the arrests, police froze four of Suresh Chandrakar’s bank accounts and demolished an illegally constructed property he owned. His wife is also in custody.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma condemned the murder, promising swift justice. The Press Association and the Editors Guild of India have also issued statements expressing outrage and demanding increased protection for journalists, particularly those working in smaller towns and rural areas. The incident highlights concerns over the safety of journalists and the need for thorough investigations into such crimes.
First Piper 