Bastar journalist’s murder: Press bodies express shock, seek speedy investigation
DIGIPUB, an association of digital news outlets, noted that journalist Mukesh Chandrakar had recently uncovered corruption in a road construction project.
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Organisations representing news outlets have expressed shock about the death of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, and have urged the Chhattisgarh government to ensure a speedy investigation.
Chandrakar, who ran the YouTube channel Bastar Junction, frequently investigated and reported on corruption, tribal rights and insurgent violence in conflict-hit Bastar. His body was discovered in a septic tank near a contractor’s home in Bijapur on Friday.
DIGIPUB, an association of digital news organisations, on Sunday demanded that the Chhattisgarh government should carry out a speedy investigation into the death and bring the culprits to justice.
DIGIPUB noted that a few days before Chandrakar disappeared on January 1, he had investigated a private contractor and uncovered corruption in a road construction project in Bastar. His body was found on the property of the same contractor, the news association further noted.
“The public and the larger media community rarely consider the well-being of journalists reporting on vital public issues in small cities and remote towns at significant risk to themselves and their families,” DIGIPUB said. “This needs to change.”
The association also noted that India’s ranking on the press freedom index has declined rapidly in recent years.
“Threats to the safety and security of journalists are not just posed by retaliatory action by the State, which has taken centre stage in...
