Outcry in India After Freelance Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank

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Indian media rights groups are demanding an investigation following the discovery of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar's body in a septic tank in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The 32-year-old, well known for his reporting on construction industry corruption and a popular YouTuber, had been reported missing on New Year’s Day.

On Friday, police recovered his body from the compound of a construction contractor, where it was obscured by recently placed concrete slabs. Initial investigations suggest that his death involved foul play, with authorities noting signs of a blunt force attack.

Local police suspect that Chandrakar’s death is connected to a recent report he published concerning a road construction scam, which led to a police inquiry. So far, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while the main suspect, Suresh Chandrakar, remains at large.

The shocking incident has sparked protests among local journalists and press watchdogs, who are calling for enhanced safety measures for journalists working in the region. The Press Council of India voiced urgent concerns regarding the suspected murder, urging an investigation into the "facts of the case."

In a statement, Chhattisgarh's chief minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, expressed his heartbreak over the incident and pledged to pursue the "harshest punishment" for those responsible.

Chandrakar's death underscores ongoing dangers faced by journalists in India, where, according to Reporters Without Borders, 28 journalists have been killed in the past decade due to their reporting.

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