
The tragic death of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh has ignited a political firestorm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging connections between the accused contractor and the Congress party.
Background
Mukesh Chandrakar, a freelance journalist, was reported missing on January 1, 2025. His body was later discovered in a septic tank belonging to contractor Suresh Chandrakar. Prior to his disappearance, Mukesh had been investigating a ₹120 crore road construction scam, raising suspicions about the motive behind his murder.
Political Allegations
The BJP has accused the Congress of being linked to the crime, pointing to the contractor’s alleged affiliations with the party. Amit Malviya, a BJP National Executive member, claimed that Suresh Chandrakar is a prominent Congress leader entrusted with significant responsibilities during elections. He shared a photograph purportedly showing state Congress president Deepak Baij with the accused, intensifying the controversy.
Congress’s Response
In response, the Congress has refuted these allegations, accusing the BJP of politicizing a tragic incident for electoral gain. They assert that the law enforcement agencies are conducting a thorough investigation and that any attempt to draw political connections is premature and unfounded.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have detained three individuals in connection with the murder, including the contractor. The police are exploring all possible motives, including the journalist’s investigative work into the alleged road scam. The case has prompted calls from various quarters for a swift and impartial investigation to ensure justice for the slain journalist.
This incident has not only highlighted the perils faced by investigative journalists but has also underscored the complex interplay between crime and politics in the region.
For a detailed news report on this developing story, you can watch the following video: