Police have accused three brothers and Mukesh’s cousins, Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and Suresh Chandrakar, as well as Mahendra Ramteke, their employee, of involvement in the killing and subsequent attempts to hide his body. According to a report in The Hindu, Ritesh and Mahendra attacked the journalist with an iron rod following an argument over a recent report while eating dinner together. Mukesh sustained fatal blows to his head, back, stomach and chest, and was killed as a result of his injuries. The report continues that Ritesh then reportedly contacted Dinesh and Suresh, with the crew planning to dispose of the journalist’s phone, the weapon, and the journalist’s body.

Authorities have stated that they suspect the killing was in relation to a December report on irregularities in road construction work from Gangaloor to Nelasanar village in the state’s south, which led to a formal investigation into the project. Suresh Chandrakar, the primary accused in the case was arrested on January 6, with police arresting the other three suspects days prior.

A freelance journalist, Chandrakar worked as a contributor to several television channels and operated the popular YouTube channel Bastar Junction. A respected journalist, Chandrakar had previously faced pressure from both government and insurgent Maoist militia groups for his coverage.

In 2024, the IFJ confirmed the killings of 122 journalists globally, with three verified cases in India, Ashutosh Srivastava, Shivshankar Jha, and Salman Ali Khan.

The IJU said: “It’s tragic that journalist must pay a price with their lives for doing their job and exposing the malaise of corruption. While the State Home department has set up SIT to prove the case, Suresh’s illegal shed demolished and four of his bank accounts have been frozen, the IJU said its not enough. Harshest punishment be meted to accused, not only Suresh’s contracts be cancelled but all those in government involved must be investigated.”

NUJ-I President Ras Bihari said: “The NUJ-I strongly condemns the killing of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. We demand a fair investigation into this heinous murder and severe punishment to the culprits.”

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The IFJ is appalled by the killing of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar for his anti-corruption reporting. Authorities must implement concrete measures to guarantee the safety of journalists in Chhattisgarh and beyond and ensure that those responsible do not escape with impunity.”