"For us, he was an angel": CRPF jawan's wife demands justice for slain journalist

Jammu- Meenu, wife of a CRPF trooper who was released from Maoist captivity thanks to the efforts of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, is demanding justice following his brutal murder. On Friday, Chandrakar's body was discovered in a contractor's shed in Chhattisgarh's Bastar division, submerged in a septic tank.

Chandrakar played a key role in securing the release of CRPF trooper Rakeshwar Singh Manhas after Maoists kidnapped him in 2021. He was a respected figure in the region, and his death has sent shockwaves through the community.

Speaking to IANS, Meenu expressed her profound sorrow, stating, "For us, he was an angel. I was shocked to hear about this incident. If such things are happening to journalists, what could happen to the common people?"

She emphasized the crucial role journalists play in dangerous regions like Bastar, where Chandrakar was investigating alleged irregularities in a Rs 120-crore road construction project at the time of his disappearance. "The forces have to continue providing their services there. If anything happens, it’s journalists who come forward first, just like they helped us. Now, it’s the government’s turn to help their family," Meenu said.

Meenu demanded strict action against those responsible for Chandrakar's death, questioning the circumstances surrounding his murder. "What circumstances could have led to him being killed? Why did it come to the point of taking his life? I want to urge the Prime Minister to take action against those responsible," she said.

Three people, including two relatives, have been arrested in connection with the murder.