Media rights organisations in India have expressed outrage over the killing of Mukesh Chandrakar, pictured, a prominent journalist known for his anti-corruption investigations.
The body of MrChandrakar was found by police hidden in a septic tank in the compound of a construction contractor in the state state of Chhattisgarh, a few days after his family reported him missing.
Mr Chandrakar contributed to some of the country’s biggest TV channels and ran a popular YouTube channel.
Police told Indian media they suspected his death was related to a recent report he had done into an alleged road construction scam which had resulted in a police investigation. Three people have been arrested in the case and the main suspect is said to be on the run.
The killing prompted an outpouring of anger among Indian press watchdogs and local journalists, who held a protest in the state. The president of the local Bastar Journalist Association, Manish Gupta, described the incident as a “dark chapter” and called on the police and government to provide better safety to journalists working under dangerous conditions.
Mukesh Chandrakarhnu Deo Sai, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh called Mr Chandrakar’s death “heartbreaking”.
India remains a highly dangerous place for journalists, according to global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, with 28 journalists killed over the past decade due to their reporting. India is ranked 159 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.Indian journalists condemn “intimidation” of BBC
