Killed Indian Journalist Found In Septic Tank
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
NEW DELHI (Worthy News) – Investigators have found the body of an Indian journalist who went missing on New Year’s Day. Mukesh Chandrakar’s human remains were discovered in a septic tank in India’s Chhattisgarh state, officials said.
Police told media that his body showed signs of “severe injuries” and was discovered in the compound of a road construction contractor in Bijapur on Friday.
Chandrakar reported on corruption and the Maoist rebellion in the mineral-rich state and ran the popular YouTube video-sharing site channel Bastar Junction.
Chandrakar’s death sparked protests by journalists in the country amid broader concerns about high-level corruption and pressure on critical reporters in India.
The Press Council of India, the self-regulatory watchdog of the press, has demanded a report “on the facts of the case” from the state government.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma pledged that a special investigation team (SIT) had been formed to probe Mukesh’s death, leading to the detention of three suspects.
However, on Tuesday, the compound owner was believed to be still on the run.
The key suspect was said to have political connections, but according to Indian media, both the Congress Party and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have denied that he belongs to them.
Vishnu Deo Sai, chief minister of Chhattisgarh from the ruling BJP, described Chandrakar’s death as “heartbreaking” and promised the “harshest punishment” for those found responsible.
Yet the case has raised questions about journalists’ safety. Last year, India ranked 159th on the World Press Freedom Index, which is run by the Reporters Without Borders advocacy group.
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