Indian Media Bodies Demand Probe into Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar's Murder.......

The gruesome killing in Chhattisgarh’s Baloda Bazaar of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has triggered nationwide outrage, with media organisations and rights groups demanding an inquiry. Chandrakar, a local journalist who feared mobsters and was known for his fearless reports to combat corruption and illegal activities, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence on Jan 5. Chandrakar, who was covering sensitive topics involving "powerful people", was possibly targeted for his work, preliminary reports suggest.

The killing has been condemned by leading media bodies like the Editors Guild of India and the Press Club of India as an attack on press freedom. In a separate statement, they said that threats to journalists are on the rise in the country and urged Chhattisgarh government to go for a fair and transparent probe. The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) also extended solidarity with Chandrakar's family and called for swift action to bring the culprits to justice.

Local police have registered a case and launched an investigation, with officials indicating that all angles, including professional enmity are being probed. But media watchdogs say that India has seen a worrying surge in crimes against journalists — and that assailants are rarely punished. So far, only international organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have condemned the incident, stressing the need for stronger protection for journalists.

As the nation grieves yet another loss in the quest for truth and accountability, the media fraternity, resounding in its demands for justice, vows to ensure that Mukesh Chandrakar’s sacrifice is not in vain.