Mukesh Chandrakar murder: Journalist’s cousin, 2 others arrested; CM Sai orders bulldozer action

In a major development in the murder case of Mukesh Chandrakar, who was brutally killed and dumped into a septic tank in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, one of the key suspects, Ritesh Chandrakar, has been revealed to be the journalist's cousin.

He went missing on Wednesday evening, and his elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, lodged a complaint with the police the next day. Tracking Mukesh's mobile number, police reached the property owned by one Suresh Chandrakar and found the body in a septic tank, which was freshly cast with a concrete slab.

Mukesh Chandrakar was one of the interlocutors who played a key role in the release of CoBRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, abducted by Maoists after an encounter in Bijapur in 2021. He was actively covering Naxal attacks, encounters, and other issues in Bastar.

Recently, Mukesh Chandrakar had uncovered the alleged corruption in road construction. Originally tendered at ₹50 crore, the road construction project experienced a budget escalation despite no apparent changes. Mukesh Chandrakar highlighted it to the Chhattisgarh government which initiated an inquiry. Suresh Chandrakar is said to be involved in the work.

Mukesh Chandrakar worked as a freelance journalist for news channels, including NDTV, and ran a YouTube channel, 'Bastar Junction', which has some 1.59 lakh subscribers. 

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Meanwhile, the police have detained three persons – Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar and Mahendra – in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Mukesh Chandrakar. Speaking to media, IG Bastar P Sundarraj said, “Ritesh Chandrakar and Mahendra hit Mukesh Chandrakar and Dinesh Chandrakar tried to hide the evidence. The role of contractor Suresh Chandrakar is also being investigated and action will be taken accordingly.”

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai has directed bulldozer action on the house of the primary accused. Following the chief minister's directive, the authorities demolished the house of the main accused in the murder case of Mukesh Chandrakar.

CM Sai also extended his condolences in the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar. In a post on X, CM Sai said, “The news of the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a young and dedicated journalist from Bijapur, is extremely sad and heartbreaking. The demise of Mukesh is an irreparable loss to the journalism world and society.”

(With agency inputs)