Indian media rights organizations are demanding an investigation after the body of missing journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was discovered hidden in a septic tank on January 3, 2025. The 32-year-old, known for his reports on corruption and the Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh, had been missing since New Year’s Day.

Chandrakar was a prominent figure in Indian journalism, also managing a popular YouTube channel, "Bastar Junction". His family reported him missing, prompting police to trace his mobile phone records, leading to the grim discovery of his body at a construction contractor’s site in Bijapur, where concrete slabs had been recently placed over the septic tank.

Authorities revealed that Chandrakar's body bore signs of a blunt force attack, pointing to foul play. Local police are investigating a connection between his death and a recent report he published regarding an alleged road construction scam in Bijapur, which had already initiated law enforcement inquiries.

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while another primary suspect remains at large. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from media watchdogs, with the Press Council of India calling the murder “heartbreaking” and urging a detailed investigation.

Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, has vowed to ensure the harshest punishments for those responsible for Chandrakar’s death, acknowledging the perilous conditions journalists face in the region, which remains the site of ongoing violence and corruption.

The poignant discovery of Chandrakar's body has sparked protests among journalists, who are advocating for stronger protections in light of the growing threats against those who report on corruption and social issues in India.