New Delhi: The Press Club of India said that it was shocked to learn about the murder of popular journalist Mukesh Chandrakar and demanded a time-bound action against the perpetrators. Mukesh Chandrakar, who went missing on New Year's Day, was murdered and his body was dumped in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur. The body called on the state government to take appropriate action in the case. It also urged the Press Council of India to take cognisance of the alleged murder of the journalist. "The attacks on and killings of journalists reporting from Bastar division of Chhattisgarh are not new but the impunity with which such incidents are being carried out is unacceptable and must be addressedeffectively. The state government should immediately look into the long-standing demand of localjournalists to enact a to protect journalists," the Press Club of India said in a statement.

Journalist's Body Found In Septic Tank Chandrakar is known for his crucial role in the release of CoBRA commando abducted by Maoists in April 2021. He worked as a freelance journalist for national and international news channels and also ran a YouTube channel, `Bastar Junction', which has some 1.59 lakh subscribers. Chandrakar's body, with multiple stab wounds on his head and back, was found on Friday in a septic tank on a local contractor's property in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur city.He went missing on the evening of January 1, and his elder brother Yukesh Chandrakar lodged a complaint with the police the next day. Tracking Mukesh's mobile number, police reached the property owned by contractor Suresh Chandrakar at Chattanpara Basti in Bijapur town and found the body. His body was found in a septic tank which was freshly case with concrete slab, officials said. The police have detained three people in connection with the murder. As per the investigators, one of the main accused has turned out to be the brother of the deceased. Report On Road Scam Led To Murder?Some locals said that Mukesh Chandrakar had recently done some stories on irregularities in road construction works in the area, which led to an investigation against the contractor. Police suspect the murder is linked to the recent report of irregularities in road construction work. Journalists Hold Protest Journalists held a symbolic road blockade at Hospital Chowk on National Highway 36 in the morning, demanding that the contractor's properties in Bastar division, including Bijapur, be attached and a case be registered against him.They also demanded a death sentence for the contractor and others involved in the murder, removal of security detail for him, and sealing of his bank accounts, among other demands. The protesting journalists also sought the suspension or transfer of the Bijapur superintendent of police. What Chief Minister Said?Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the culprits will be arrested at the earliest. "The news of the murder of Bijapur's young and dedicated journalist Mukesh Chandrakar ji is very sad and heartbreaking. Mukesh ji's demise is an irreparable loss for journalism and society," Sai wrote on X."The culprit will not be spared under any circumstances. I have given instructions to arrest the criminals as soon as possible and ensure the harshest punishment for them," the CM added.