Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old independent journalist, was found dead in a septic tank on a contractor's premises in Bijapur after receiving a call from the contractor's cousin to meet them. Mukesh's body was discovered after his brother filed a police complaint when he did not return from the meeting. Authorities are investigating if his death is connected to any of his recent journalistic work in the Bastar region.
Mukesh Chandrakar: Independent Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank
On November 23, 2022, the body of 28-year-old independent journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was discovered in a septic tank on a contractor's premises in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The discovery sent shockwaves through the media and human rights communities, raising concerns over the safety of journalists in India.
Background
Mukesh Chandrakar was an ardent critic of the government's policies in the conflict-ridden Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. He had reported on issues such as alleged police atrocities, land acquisition, and the impact of mining on indigenous communities. His work had angered local authorities and powerful interests in the region.
The Incident
On November 22, 2022, Mukesh received a call from the cousin of Pawan Sahu, a contractor known for his close ties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mukesh, who often met sources on contractors' premises, agreed to visit the site on the outskirts of Bijapur.
However, Mukesh never returned from the meeting. His brother filed a missing person's complaint on November 23rd, and a search operation ensued. Mukesh's body was eventually found in the septic tank on the contractor's premises the following day.
Investigation
The Bijapur police have launched an investigation into Mukesh's death, but no arrests have been made yet. The focus of the investigation is on whether Mukesh's journalistic work played a role in his death.
Reactions
Mukesh's death has been condemned by journalists, human rights activists, and political leaders across the country. Many have demanded an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who was Mukesh Chandrakar? Mukesh Chandrakar was an independent journalist who covered the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
2. How did Mukesh die? Mukesh's body was found in a septic tank on the premises of a contractor who allegedly had ties to the ruling party in Chhattisgarh.
3. Is Mukesh's death connected to his journalistic work? The investigation is ongoing, but there are concerns that Mukesh's death may be related to his critical reporting on local authorities and powerful interests.
4. What was the reaction to Mukesh's death? There has been widespread condemnation and demands for an independent inquiry into Mukesh's death.
5. Is there a history of journalist killings in India? Unfortunately, there is a history of journalists being killed in India, particularly those who cover sensitive issues or expose corruption.
Odisha has become the 34th state to join the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme, much to the appreciation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He criticized the previous BJD government for not adopting the scheme, which aims to provide affordable and high-quality healthcare to all citizens. The new BJP-led government in Odisha has replaced the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, in line with the national health scheme. This move is expected to benefit women and senior citizens in the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched his party's Delhi campaign with a fiery speech at a public meeting in the Muslim-dominated area of Seelampur. He took aim at both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of failing to deliver on their promises. As the Congress sets its sights on reclaiming its minority vote bank, Gandhi reminded the audience of the party's past successes under former CM Sheila Dikshit and promised to prioritize Delhi's development. Despite the AAP and Congress being part of the same INDIA bloc, Gandhi made it clear that the two parties are now strong competitors in the upcoming assembly elections.
Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel, Abdullah lauded Modi's efforts in bridging the gap between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the central government. He commended the smooth conduct of elections in the Union Territory and expressed hope for the restoration of statehood. Paying homage to the victims of a terrorist attack near the tunnel site, Abdullah affirmed that terrorism will not stop the region's development and democracy.
General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the Army's annual press conference, disclosed that only four local men in J&K joined militant ranks in 2020 and that 60% of those killed during counter-terrorism operations were from Pakistan. He emphasized that the local people were in favor of peace and that the violence in the region was being orchestrated by Pakistan. Despite the challenges faced by the Army in the past two years, recent successes in reworking the counter-terrorism grid have led to a positive change and the theme of "terrorism to tourism" is gradually becoming a reality in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to bridge the gap between Delhi and Union Territory. He praised the Prime Minister for keeping his promise of conducting Assembly elections in the region and stated that it has led to an increase in trust among the residents. PM Modi inaugurated the 6.5-kilometre Sonamarg Tunnel, which will now be called the Z-Morh Tunnel, in a major infrastructure boost for the region. Chief Minister Abdullah also mentioned the Centre's efforts to reduce the distance between Delhi and the heart of the region, leaving the Prime Minister with a smile.
As the number of women in India's armed forces steadily increases, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi announces plans for gender neutrality and enhanced roles for women in the military. With approximately 1,700 women officers set to join the Indian Army and other forces after training, the push for a strong and equal female presence in the tri-services is gaining momentum. The Army Chief notes that women officers have been performing exceptionally well, and efforts are being made to ensure a gender-neutral approach to their roles and opportunities in the armed forces.
The National Commission for Women has formed a committee to investigate the brutal killing of a female BPO employee by her colleague in the parking lot of their company. The committee will be headed by NCW Member Secretary Meenakshi Negi and will also include former DGP's Dr B K Sinha and R Sreelekha. The committee's mandate includes identifying lapses in workplace security and bystander inaction, and proposing measures for improving safety in the tech industry.
On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda's 163rd birth anniversary, Union Minister Suresh Gopi addressed party members in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, speaking about the philosopher's vision for a united and developed India. Gopi highlighted the demographic advantage of India, urging the youth to realize their potential in making India a fully developed nation by 2047. He also connected Swami Vivekananda's ideals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in shaping the nation. Deeply concerned about rising issues in Kerala, Gopi emphasized the need for universal values of brotherhood and unity to address these challenges.
During a meeting to discuss the devastating California wildfires, US President Joe Biden made a questionable pun that raised eyebrows and sparked backlash on social media. Surrounded by Vice President Kamala Harris and other officials, Biden told those directly affected by the fires to "fire away", to which Harris reacted with a stunned expression. Critics were quick to point out the insensitivity of the statement, questioning the president's priorities and actions in response to the catastrophic event.
In his address at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of knowledge and peace, rather than war, in solving problems. He drew parallels to Emperor Ashoka, who renounced violence and spread messages of peace after witnessing the devastation of war. Modi also promised swift action towards addressing concerns of the Indian diaspora and urged Indian youth to play a key role in shaping the country's future.