In a significant breakthrough in the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested the prime accused, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, during a late-night operation in Hyderabad on Monday.
This arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in the case to four. On Saturday, the Chhattisgarh Police apprehended three suspects, including Suresh's cousin, Ritesh Chandrakar, in connection with Mukesh's death.
Details of the Case
Mukesh Chandrakar, renowned for his investigative journalism, went missing on New Year’s Day. His body was discovered two days later in a septic tank on a property owned by Suresh Chandrakar in Chattanpara, Bijapur district.
Mukesh had recently uncovered alleged corruption in a ₹120-crore road construction project in the Bastar region. The project, which initially had a budget of ₹50 crore, saw its costs more than double without any corresponding increase in scope. Suresh Chandrakar, who managed the project, is believed to have been significantly affected by Mukesh’s exposé.
Sequence of Events
- January 1: Mukesh attended a meeting arranged by his cousin, Ritesh Chandrakar, with contractor Suresh.
- Post-meeting: Mukesh's phone went offline, prompting his elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, to file a missing person report.
- January 3: Mukesh’s body was found in a septic tank on Suresh's property.
Arrests and Investigation
The police initially arrested three suspects:
- Ritesh Chandrakar: Mukesh's cousin, who facilitated the meeting.
- Dinesh Chandrakar: Another family member.
- A third unnamed individual.
With Suresh Chandrakar evading authorities, the SIT intensified efforts, leading to his capture in Hyderabad. Additionally, three bank accounts linked to Suresh have been frozen, and further financial investigations are underway.
Impact and Concerns
Mukesh Chandrakar’s fearless reporting on corruption has shone a spotlight on systemic irregularities in public projects. However, his murder has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in conflict-prone regions like Bastar.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, focusing on uncovering the broader network behind Mukesh’s murder and ensuring justice is served.
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