In a major breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Suresh Chandrakar, the primary accused in the brutal murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, from Hyderabad on Sunday. The arrest marks a critical step in the ongoing investigation into the shocking crime that has sent ripples through Chhattisgarh.
Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old journalist, was reported missing on the night of January 1. His body was discovered on January 3 in a septic tank at one of Suresh Chandrakar’s properties. The postmortem report revealed horrifying details, with the victim sustaining 15 fractures to his head, a broken neck, five broken ribs, and his heart ripped out. Doctors also found four pieces of his liver and described the crime as one of the most gruesome they had encountered in their 12-year careers.
The Alleged Motive
Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor, is believed to have orchestrated the murder in retaliation for Mukesh’s investigative journalism. Mukesh had recently exposed alleged corruption involving a Rs 120-crore road construction project in Bastar, linked to Suresh. The exposé prompted the state government to launch an inquiry into the contractor’s dealings.
Mukesh’s elder brother, Yukesh Chandrakar, reported him missing after his phone remained switched off following a meeting arranged by Ritesh Chandrakar, Suresh’s brother, at one of the contractor’s properties.
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Police have so far arrested three suspects, including Ritesh and another brother of Suresh, Dinesh Chandrakar. However, investigators suspect more individuals were involved in the crime due to the extreme nature of the injuries inflicted on Mukesh.
Widespread Condemnation and Call for Justice
The brutal murder has drawn widespread condemnation from journalists and civil society, who have called for swift justice. The case has also raised concerns about the safety of investigative journalists, especially those exposing corruption and malfeasance.
As the SIT delves deeper into the case, the arrest of Suresh Chandrakar is expected to shed light on the full extent of the conspiracy and the roles played by other suspects. Authorities continue to question individuals linked to the contractor’s network, vowing to ensure justice for Mukesh Chandrakar and his family.
