In a significant breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested Suresh Chandrakar, the prime suspect in the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a journalist YouTuber. Following a fierce manhunt, he was tracked down in Hyderabad.
History of the Case
The 33-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar hails from Bastar zone in Chhattisgarh. His notable works of fearless reporting covered the insurgency-affected areas where he acted as a stringer for leading TV channels. Mukesh had recently exposed an alleged fraud in road construction in Bijapur district, where his action led to an investigation into local contractors. On January 1, 2025, Mukesh was reported to have disappeared, informing a colleague about a meeting with a “local contractor.” On January 3, the body of Mukesh was found in a septic tank in the house of the prime suspect, Suresh Chandrakar, in Chattanpara Basti.
Details of arrestÂ
Suresh Chandrakar was tracked to Hyderabad, where he was arrested by the SIT under Mayank Gurjar-the Bijapur SIT in-charge. Three more, however, -Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and Mahendra- have also been arrested concerning the case. A detailed inquiry is underway to uncover the motive and further accomplices involved in the crime.
Responses and Consequences
The murder of Mukesh Chandrakar has raised a storm among journalists and the public. The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his grief, saying, “News of young and dedicated journalist Mukesh Chandrakar being murdered is heart-breaking. Culprit won’t be spared.” Manish Gupta, president of the Bastar Journalist Association, condemned the act as a “dark chapter,” as it highlighted insecurity for journalists in the most challenging geographic location, such as Bastar.
Action Call
It has been revealed through this incident that journalists’ lives are endangered in the state and the call now is for stiffer safety provisions under which media personnel can carry out their functions. Detaining the prime suspect is thought to be a step toward justice, but calls for systemic reforms to ensure the safety of journalists serving to expose endemic corruption and informing the public are on the rise.
Conclusion
The arrest of suspect Suresh Chandrakar is certainly a major stride in the investigation of the murder case of Mukesh Chandrakar. Further investigations will also be indicative of the burning national agenda of ensuring safety for journalists working in a high-risk environment and further strengthening the freedom of the press in India.