Sat Jan 18 09:03:11 UTC 2025: ## Chhattisgarh Officials Suspended Following Journalist’s Murder

**Raipur, Chhattisgarh, January 18, 2025** – Two Chhattisgarh Public Works Department (PWD) officials have been suspended following an investigation into alleged corruption in a road construction project in Bijapur district. The investigation was launched after journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who exposed the alleged irregularities in a news report before his murder earlier this month, was found dead.

The investigation into the construction of the 52.40-kilometer Nelsnar-Kodoli-Mirtur-Gangaloor road revealed significant irregularities, including wastage of government funds and collusion between officials and the contractor, Suresh Chandrakar. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that prima facie evidence points to embezzlement and the submission of falsified evaluation reports.

The PWD has ordered an FIR against the Executive Engineer (retired) B.L. Dhruv, Sub-Divisional Officer R.K. Sinha, Sub Engineer G.S. Kodopi, and other officials under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Sinha and Kodopi have been suspended, while Dhruv has received a show-cause notice.

The probe, conducted on January 8-9, uncovered numerous deficiencies in the road’s construction, including potholes and inadequate thickness, indicating a failure to adhere to prescribed standards. The project, initially sanctioned in 2010 for ₹73.08 crore, saw its cost balloon to ₹188.78 crore by 2021. Suresh Chandrakar, who received a significant portion of the contract, allegedly received ₹116 crore despite failing to meet deadlines.

Chandrakar, along with three associates, was arrested for the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a freelance journalist for NDTV and the owner of a popular YouTube channel. Police believe Chandrakar was enraged by the journalist’s report exposing the corruption. The case highlights the risks faced by journalists investigating corruption in India.

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