Mukesh Chandrakar's body was found with severe injuries after he went missing on New Year's Day.

After going missing on New Year's Day, the body of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh state. Police reported that his body showed signs of severe injuries and was discovered in the compound of a road construction contractor in Bijapur on Friday.

Chandrakar was known for his investigative reporting on corruption and the Maoist rebellion in the mineral-rich state of Chhattisgarh. He also ran the popular YouTube channel "Bastar Junction," which gained attention for shedding light on local issues.

The discovery of his body has sparked protests in the region. In response to the tragic incident, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced that a special investigation team (SIT) had been formed to probe Mukesh Chandrakar's death. Authorities have already arrested three individuals in connection with the case, but the owner of the compound where the body was found remains at large. The suspect is reportedly believed to have political connections, although both the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have denied that he is affiliated with either of them, according to Indian media reports.

In reaction to the killing, journalists in the region have organized a protest demanding that strict action be taken against those responsible for the journalist’s death. The Press Council of India has also called for a detailed report on the facts surrounding the case from the state government.

Vishnu Deo Sai, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh from the ruling BJP, expressed his grief over the death, describing it as "heartbreaking" and vowed that those found responsible would face the "harshest punishment."

India was ranked 159th on the World Press Freedom Index last year, which is compiled by Reporters Without Borders.