SIT Formed, Accounts Frozen, Action Initiated Against Illegal Properties of Accused in Journalist Murder Case: Vijay Sharma

Raipur
Describing the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar a big blow to the integrity of independent journalism, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Saturday stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an Additional Superintendent of Police has been formed to investigate the matter. Addressing the press conference at his residence in Raipur, Sharma, who also holds the portfolio of Home Ministry,  said that the incident is also a blow to the state and assured that the government is treating the case as a top priority.

The Deputy CM revealed that three accused—Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and Mahendra Ramteke—have been arrested so far. To expedite the investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police (IPS) Mayank Gurjar. A robust case is being built against the accused using forensic and technical evidence. Sharma assured that the investigation will be completed within four weeks, with a charge sheet filed promptly to ensure a speedy trial.
Highlighting the broader implications of the case, Sharma disclosed that all activities of contractor Suresh Chandrakar, a key accused, are being scrutinized as instructed by Deputy CM Arun Sao.

The case began on January 1, 2025, when journalist Mukesh Chandrakar went missing from his home. A missing persons report was filed by his elder brother on January 2 at the Bijapur police station. Police investigations led to the discovery of the journalist’s body in a septic tank on the premises of Suresh Chandrakar’s property.
Suresh Chandrakar, a prominent contractor and currently the State Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Congress Scheduled Caste Cell, is accused of orchestrating the crime. Efforts are underway to apprehend him. His financial transactions and assets are under detailed investigation. So far, three of his bank accounts have been frozen, and illegal constructions linked to him have been demolished.
Deputy CM Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to a transparent and impartial investigation, assuring that no offender will be spared and justice will be delivered.

In his press conference, Deputy CM Sharma criticized Congress leaders for their alleged involvement in unethical activities and criminal incidents.
He cited the case of Balodabazar Congress MLA Devendra Yadav, currently in jail, with the High Court denying him bail. Sharma also highlighted incidents such as the December 2024 violent protests led by Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Congress MLA Utari Jangde, where party workers were incited to vandalize a collector’s office.

Further, he discussed the Surajpur double murder case involving the wife and child of a police constable, alleging the involvement of NSUI officials, including Kuldeep Sahu and NSUI President Chandrakant Choudhary.
The Deputy CM also referred to the FIR against senior Congress leader and former minister Mohammad Akbar in a suicide case of a headmaster in Balod. He accused Congress of abusing power and fostering a culture of crime and anarchy.

Sharma concluded by asserting that Congress is playing with public trust, highlighting a pattern of criminality and lawlessness within its ranks.