Indian media organizations are calling for a thorough investigation into the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a freelance journalist whose body was discovered stuffed in a septic tank in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Chandrakar, 32, was known for his reporting on corruption, particularly in public construction projects, and was a prominent figure on his YouTube channel, Bastar Junction. His body was located on January 3, shortly after his family reported him missing on New Year’s Day.

Reports indicate that Chandrakar's body showed signs of a severe blunt force attack, raising concerns about foul play. Following the discovery, local police arrested three individuals, including two of Chandrakar’s cousins. The police suspect that the violence may be linked to a recent investigative piece he had published on alleged fraud in road construction projects in the region. (Al Jazeera)

Chandigarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed that the incident is "heartbreaking" and vowed that the responsible parties would face the "harshest punishment." This sentiment is echoed by media rights groups, including the Press Council of India, which has demanded a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding his death. The council highlighted the precarious situation faced by journalists in rural and smaller towns throughout India. (BBC)

Chandrakar’s tragic fate raises broader concerns about press freedom in India, which was ranked 159th on the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders last year. Protests by local journalists in response to his murder have underscored the urgent need for better protections for those working in high-risk environments (SCMP). International human rights organizations have reported that an average of three to four journalists are killed in India each year while performing their duties, marking the country as one of the most dangerous for journalists globally.