Murder of Mukesh Chandrakar

Mukesh Chandrakar, a 32-year-old freelance journalist from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, disappeared on 1 January 2025 after reporting on alleged corruption in a local road project under a central scheme. On 3 January, his body was found sealed in concrete inside a septic tank at a property owned by contractor Suresh Chandrakar, who was also a distant relative. The autopsy revealed blunt-force trauma. Police arrested Suresh Chandrakar, his brother Dinesh Chandrakar, and associate Mahendra Ramteke on charges of murder and destruction of evidence. The killing triggered national outrage, highlighting the extreme risks faced by small-town journalists exposing powerful interests.

As of mid-2026, the trial is ongoing in a Bastar court. The three accused remain in judicial custody. A chargesheet for murder and destruction of evidence has been filed, but no final verdict has been delivered.

Whether the murder was a direct retaliation for the journalist's corruption exposé, the extent of the premeditated conspiracy among the contractors, and the alleged failure of local authorities to provide protection despite known threats.

The case provoked widespread condemnation from journalist unions and human rights organizations, leading to nationwide protests demanding a transparent investigation and stronger legal safeguards for media professionals. It shed light on the vulnerability of freelance journalists in rural India, spurred debates on corruption in public infrastructure, and put pressure on the Chhattisgarh government to ensure a fair and speedy trial.