Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Fair Investigation Demanded; Perpetrators Should Face Strict Punishment: Ras Bihari
Mumbai: Ras Bihari, National President of the National Union of Journalists India (NUJI), has strongly condemned the murder of 28-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who played a crucial role in securing the release of CRPF personnel abducted during a Maoist encounter in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Ras Bihari called for an impartial investigation into this heinous crime and demanded stringent punishment for the culprits.
Expressing deep grief, he stated that the journalist community is heartbroken over this tragic news. Offering condolences to the bereaved family, he prayed for their strength to endure this unbearable loss.
Mukesh Chandrakar’s body was discovered on Friday in a septic tank located on a contractor’s property. Police have registered it as a murder case and detained several suspects for questioning. Chandrakar had been missing for the past few days. Upon receiving a report of his disappearance, the police launched an investigation and found his body on the contractor’s premises.
Mukesh Chandrakar was a courageous journalist known for his impactful reporting on the Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh, especially Bastar. His critical role in securing the release of CRPF Commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas in 2021 after a Maoist encounter in Bijapur brought him widespread recognition. His fearless and unbiased journalism brought to light the socio-economic challenges and complexities of the Bastar region on a national level.
The police are thoroughly investigating all aspects of the case, and further details will emerge after interrogating the suspects.
NUJI Maharashtra Warns of Protests
Hansraj Kanojia, President of NUJI Maharashtra, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength during this difficult time. Under his leadership, all journalists in Maharashtra have strongly condemned the murder.
The NUJI Maharashtra unit has issued a warning to the authorities, demanding an impartial investigation and strict punishment for the culprits. The unit has also announced plans to stage protests if justice is not served promptly.
Chandrakar’s bold and influential reporting on Naxal attacks, encounters, and the socio-economic issues of Bastar earned him widespread respect and recognition in journalistic circles. This tragic incident has left a deep void in the media fraternity.