Mukesh Chandrakar’s Courageous Reporting from Conflict-Ridden Bastar Cost Him his Life

Published : Jan 08, 2025 17:05 IST - 9 MINS READ A newly constructed road between Gangalur and Nelsnaar snakes through the forests of Bijapur in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. However, the real challenge lies in the lack of effective administrative services and corruption-free development efforts, which fail to complement short-term military victories over insurgents.” Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder has evoked reactions from all quarters. In the past, big contractors from neighbouring States would stay at the residence of a senior IG in Bastar, where all the contracts were arranged.” Kitchen to chopper Suresh Chandrakar, who rose from humble beginnings, became one of Bastar’s top contractors in just a few years, securing government construction projects in Maoist-affected areas. Political parties must take steps to publicly distance themselves from business interests.”Sunil KumarEditor of Raipur-based Hindi daily ‘Chhattisgarh’ “The threat to journalists in Bastar will not end with the punishment of those responsible for murdering Mukesh,” said Sunil Kumar. We need to reflect on how we can create an environment where quality journalism can thrive in Bastar.” Local journalists often work without salary, relying on Several journalist organisations such as the Press Association, the Editors’ Guild of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps, and the Press Club of India condemned the killing, urging the Press Council of India to take up the matter with the State government.