Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar Murdered for Exposing Corruption in Road Construction?

Author:Sunil S. Hours
mukesh-chandrakar
Image Courtesy: Mukesh Chandrakar @MukeshChandrak9 / X(Twitter)

The tragic and brutal murder of 28-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh and beyond. Mukesh, known for his fearless investigative reporting, was found dead in a septic tank on a contractor’s property in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The finding, made on Friday, came after he had been reported missing for two days. According to media reports, the tank had been recently sealed with concrete, a grim effort to conceal the crime.

A murder case has been registered, and several suspects have been detained for questioning. Reports suggest that among the key accused is Ritesh Chandrakar, who was arrested alongside two others. However, the alleged mastermind, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, remains at large. Mukesh Chandrakar had recently exposed alleged corruption in a ₹120-crore road construction project between Gangalur and Hiroli. The project, initially tendered for ₹50 crore, saw an inexplicable cost escalation without any changes in the scope of work, as per reports.

Mukesh Chandrakar Report on Corruption

Mukesh’s revelations not only stirred public outcry but also prompted a state government inquiry. The scandal put immense pressure on the contractor lobby, including Suresh Chandrakar, who was at the center of the allegations. Ritesh Chandrakar, Suresh’s cousin and Mukesh’s alleged murderer, reportedly lured the journalist into a meeting with the contractor on January 1. After this meeting, Mukesh’s phone went offline, and he was subsequently reported missing by his elder brother, Yukesh. Days later, his body was found in the septic tank on a property owned by Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara, Bijapur.

The reaction to Mukesh’s murder has been one of widespread outrage and grief. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow, calling Mukesh’s death an irreparable loss to journalism and society. The Chief Minister also vowed strict action, stating, “The culprit will not be spared under any circumstances.” A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case, while protests led by the Raipur Press Club have drawn attention to the growing threats faced by journalists in the state. Mediapersons sat on dharna at Raj Bhavan as they were denied permission to submit a memorandum to the Governor over this brutal incident.

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Mukesh Chandrakar’s fearless journalism and his refusal to back down in the face of such pressures had earned him both admiration and enemies. His efforts were not confined to exposing corruption; Mukesh also played a vital role in social causes. In 2021, he was instrumental in securing the release of a CRPF personnel kidnapped by Maoists during an encounter in Bijapur.

Mukesh’s untimely death has left a void in local journalism, especially among those who risk their lives to uncover the truth. His YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which had over 1.59 lakh subscribers, became a voice for the region’s marginalized and an outlet for fearless reporting. His death is not just a loss for journalism but a call to action to protect those who dare to hold the powerful accountable.

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