NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh authorities intensified their crackdown on Congress leader Suresh Chandrakar in connection with the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, announced that all bank accounts linked to Suresh Chandrakar have been sealed, and land illegally possessed by him has been seized. He added that the Congress leader’s relatives have also been detained.
Speaking in Raipur, Sharma said, “In the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, Congress leader Suresh Chandrakar’s relatives, Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar and their employee have been detained by the police… An 11-member SIT (Special Investigation Team) has been formed… All bank accounts of Congress leader Suresh Chandrakar and other accused are being sealed. Suresh Chandrakar’s three bank accounts have also been held today.”
The body of Mukesh Chandrakar, a journalist known for his investigative reporting on corruption and Naxalism in Bastar, was discovered on 5 January in a septic tank at Suresh Chandrakar’s property in Bijapur district. Mukesh had been missing since New Year’s Day, with his last known location traced to the contractor’s premises.
Authorities suspect the murder is linked to Mukesh’s recent reports exposing alleged irregularities in local road construction projects involving the Congress leader.
Priyanka Gandhi demands action
Journalists across Bijapur observed a complete shutdown in protest and staged demonstrations demanding justice. The Press Club of India condemned the murder, calling it a “dark chapter” for journalism, and urged the state government to ensure swift justice and better protections for journalists.
“The Press Club of India is shocked to learn about the murder of Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) based young freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. We strongly condemn the killing and demand time-bound action against the perpetrators,” the Press Club said in a statement.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expressed her shock, demanding immediate and strict action against the perpetrators. “I demand from the state government that strict and immediate action should be taken in this case, the culprits should be given severe punishment and proper compensation and job should be considered for the family of the deceased,” she said.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has pledged that the investigation will conclude within four weeks, with a chargesheet filed promptly. “This government will not spare anyone involved in such crimes,” he assured.
