Suresh Chandrakar, the prime suspect in the barbaric murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh, was arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Hyderabad on Sunday. The crime, which has shocked the nation, was marked by an unprecedented level of brutality, as revealed by the postmortem report. Mukesh's body bore 15 fractures to his head, a broken neck, five shattered ribs, and his heart had been gruesomely ripped out. Additionally, his liver was found in four detached pieces, painting a grim picture of the sheer savagery involved in the crime.
The journalist, known for his fearless reporting, had recently exposed alleged corruption involving a ₹120-crore road construction project in Bastar, which directly implicated contractor Suresh Chandrakar. Mukesh’s investigative report led the state government to initiate an inquiry into Suresh’s activities. Enraged by the exposure, Suresh is believed to have orchestrated the murder as a form of retaliation. He had been on the run since the crime came to light on January 3, evading capture until his arrest.
Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old journalist working with a local news channel, was last seen on the night of January 1. After his phone went silent, his elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, filed a missing person report. On January 3, Mukesh’s body was discovered in a septic tank on a property owned by Suresh. The location was significant, as it had been the site of a meeting arranged by Suresh’s brother, Ritesh Chandrakar. This meeting now appears to have been a trap.
The murder investigation has already led to the arrest of three individuals, including Ritesh and another brother, Dinesh Chandrakar. The SIT also interrogates several suspects, including individuals closely associated with Suresh’s business dealings. The nature of Mukesh's injuries has prompted investigators to believe that more than two people were involved in carrying out the crime, suggesting a larger conspiracy.
The details revealed during the postmortem examination have left even seasoned medical professionals in shock. Doctors described the case as one of the most brutal they had encountered in their careers. The extent of the injuries, coupled with the meticulous manner in which the crime was executed, underscores the premeditated nature of the act and the deep-seated malice behind it.
Mukesh’s death has cast a harsh spotlight on the dangers faced by journalists, particularly those working in challenging environments to expose corruption and malpractice. His fearless reporting on the irregularities in the multi-crore road project had placed him on a collision course with powerful figures, ultimately costing him his life.
The arrest of Suresh Chandrakar is a significant breakthrough in the case, offering hope that justice will be served. The SIT is now focused on unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy, identifying all those involved, and ensuring that Mukesh’s killers are held accountable.
This gruesome crime has sparked outrage across the country, with journalists, civil society groups, and political leaders demanding stronger protections for reporters and stricter actions against those who seek to silence them through violence. Mukesh’s tragic demise serves as a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by those who work tirelessly to bring the truth to light, often at great personal risk. His courage and dedication to his craft have left a lasting legacy, and his death has galvanized calls for systemic reforms to safeguard press freedom and the lives of those who uphold it.
