Key Accused in Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s Murder Arrested in Hyderabad
The prime suspect in the brutal murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, whose body was discovered in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division last week, has been apprehended in Hyderabad. The accused, Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor and distant relative of the victim, was arrested on Sunday night after evading authorities for days.
Murder Investigation Unfolds
Police tracked Suresh to his driver’s residence in Hyderabad after analyzing footage from over 200 CCTV cameras and tracing nearly 300 mobile numbers. According to officials, Suresh is believed to be the mastermind behind the crime.
To exert financial pressure, authorities froze four bank accounts linked to Suresh and demolished an illegally constructed yard owned by him. Additionally, Chandrakar’s wife has been detained in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district for questioning regarding her potential involvement in the case.
Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old journalist and contributing reporter, was last seen leaving his home in Bijapur’s Pujari Para on 1st January . When he failed to return, his brother Yukesh filed a missing complaint the following day. A police search led to the discovery of his body in a septic tank in Chhatan Para Basti, just a short distance from his residence.
Post-Mortem Reveals Brutality
The post-mortem revealed that Chandrakar was attacked with a hard object, sustaining severe injuries to his head, chest, back, and stomach. His body was identified by a distinctive tattoo on his hand.
Three additional individuals, including two of the victim’s relatives, have also been arrested. Ritesh Chandrakar, a cousin of the victim, was apprehended at Raipur airport, while supervisor Mahendra Ramteke and another relative, Dinesh Chandrakar, were taken into custody in Bijapur.
How the Murder Unfolded
Preliminary investigations revealed that an argument during dinner escalated into violence. Ritesh and Mahendra attacked Chandrakar with an iron rod, killing him . To hide their crime, the perpetrators concealed the body in a septic tank and sealed it with cement. Chandrakar’s phone and the murder weapon were disposed of to erase evidence.
Police stated that while Dinesh supervised the cementing of the septic tank, Suresh orchestrated the entire plan.
Condemnation and Calls for Action
The murder has sparked widespread outrage, particularly within the journalist community. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma condemned the crime as “horrific and unacceptable” and vowed stringent action against those involved.
The Press Association and the Editors Guild of India expressed deep concern over the incident. The Editors Guild emphasized the urgent need to safeguard journalists, particularly those working in smaller towns and rural regions, where they often face significant risks.
“The death of Mukesh Chandrakar underscores the dangers faced by journalists in India, especially those investigating sensitive topics in challenging environments,” the Guild said in a statement.
The Press Association called for immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of field journalists, highlighting the crucial role they play in upholding democracy.
A Growing Concern
This tragic incident adds to the growing list of attacks on journalists in India. It underscores the urgent need for stronger legal protections, better safety protocols, and swift justice to ensure that the press can operate freely and without fear of retaliation. The arrest of the prime accused marks a significant step forward, but the focus now shifts to securing a fair and speedy trial to deliver justice for Mukesh Chandrakar and his grieving family.
