Indian Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank After Reporting Corruption: A Grim Warning for Press Freedom

The recent murder of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has cast a harsh spotlight on the perilous state of press freedom in India. Chandrakar, a 32-year-old freelance journalist known for exposing corruption in public construction projects, was found dead in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on January 3, 2025. His body bore severe injuries consistent with a blunt-force attack, indicating a violent end likely tied to his investigative work.

Chandrakar’s disappearance on New Year’s Day prompted his family to file a missing person report. Police traced his mobile phone to a compound owned by a road construction contractor, where his body was discovered concealed beneath newly placed concrete slabs covering a septic tank. Among the arrested suspects are two of his relatives, including his cousin, with the main suspect, compound owner and relative Suresh Chandrakar, apprehended in Hyderabad after initially evading capture.

This tragic incident has ignited widespread condemnation from press organizations and human rights advocates. The Press Council of India has demanded a comprehensive report from the Chhattisgarh state government, while local journalists have staged protests calling for stringent action against those responsible. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has also urged authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to safeguard journalists who expose corruption.

Chandrakar’s murder is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern of violence against journalists in India. In May 2022, journalist Subhash Kumar Mahto, known for reporting on illegal sand mining, was fatally shot in Bihar. Such incidents contribute to India’s declining ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, where it slipped to 161 out of 180 countries in 2023, reflecting a deteriorating environment for journalists.

Global media outlets have expressed alarm over Chandrakar’s death and the broader implications for press freedom in India. The Guardian highlighted calls from Indian press groups for an investigation, emphasizing the dangers faced by journalists reporting on corruption.

Deutsche Welle reported on the severe injuries found on Chandrakar’s body, underscoring the brutality of the attack.

The international community’s concern is further amplified by reports of increasing censorship and threats to democratic institutions in India. Critics argue that the government’s actions, including proposed legislation to monitor social media content, may suppress dissent and stifle journalistic freedom.

Chandrakar’s death serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by journalists in India, particularly those who dare to expose corruption and malfeasance. As global attention focuses on this case, there is a pressing need for Indian authorities to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also to implement robust protections for journalists. Safeguarding press freedom is essential to upholding the democratic principles that India, the world’s largest democracy, purports to embody.

The international community, including press freedom watchdogs and human rights organizations, continues to monitor the situation closely. Their collective call is clear: without a free and safe press, the very foundation of democracy is at risk.