Editors Guild condemns freelance journalist's murder

News of the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh, in the first week of the new year has rocked the media world. Chandrakar, who worked as a contributor to several TV channels, had recently reported on an alleged road construction scam that prompted local authorities to investigate some contractors. As per reports, Chandrakar’s body was found dumped in a septic tank in the premises of a private contractor in Bijapur district on January 3, 2025.

Raising concerns over the journalist’s death, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) has urged the Chhattisgarh government to investigate the case speedily and punish those guilty of the crime.

In a release issued, EGI stated, “The young journalist’s death is a matter of grave concern as it raise suspicion of foul play...The safety of journalists – especially those working in smaller towns and rural areas – is of paramount importance, and the Editors Guild demands that authorities across the country must do their best to ensure that no harm or hindrance is caused to any of them in discharging their professional duties.”

“A free that is allowed to work without fear is important for any democracy,” EGI emphasised, while hoping that Chandrakar’s death would serve as a wake-up call and prompt better measures for journalists’ protection.

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