The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the death of Uttarakhand journalist Rajiv Pratap has determined that he died in a road accident attributed to drunken driving, as reported by a news outlet.

Rajiv Pratap, aged 36, was reported missing on September 18. His vehicle was discovered on the banks of the Bhagirathi River on September 20, and his body was located near the Joshiyara barrage in Uttarkashi district on September 28.

The investigation revealed that Pratap met with Head Constable Soban Singh and his former student, cameraman Manbir Kaluda, near the Shaheed Smarak on the evening of his disappearance. They consumed alcohol at a nearby taxi stand until around 10 PM. After Kaluda returned home, Pratap and Singh continued drinking at a hotel close to the bus stand.

Security footage captured Pratap leaving the hotel unsteadily around 11 PM, followed by Singh. Both entered Pratap's vehicle, but Singh exited shortly after. At 11:23 PM, Pratap was seen driving away alone, according to police reports.

The last sighting of the car on security cameras was at Gangori Bridge at 11:38 PM. The following day, the vehicle was found downstream in the Bhagirathi River, with a bag belonging to Singh recovered approximately 600 meters from the bridge, near where the car likely fell.

Authorities believe that strong currents from a water release at the Maneri dam may have carried the vehicle downstream. A technical examination of the car revealed that all four doors were locked, the windows were up, and the ignition was on with the key still inside. The trunk was open, likely due to the impact.

There were no signs of external tampering on the vehicle. A blue slipper was found inside, but no other significant items were located, as reported by the news outlet.

The autopsy indicated that Pratap died from internal injuries to his chest and abdomen, consistent with an impact from the steering wheel. Importantly, there were no external injuries or indications of assault.

Despite the findings, Pratap's family has voiced their dissatisfaction with the investigation, claiming that the police reached conclusions too hastily. They have previously expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of reports he had shared on his YouTube channel, Delhi Uttarakhand Live.