Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Provides Update on Bastar Encounter and Pledges Action in Journalist's Death
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Raipur, Jan 5 (NationPress) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday commended the valor of security forces in the ongoing struggle against Maoists in the Bastar region, responding to an encounter that resulted in the deaths of four Naxalites and one soldier.
“Our soldiers are fighting with extraordinary strength. Four Naxalites have been eliminated in this encounter, and we honor our soldiers for their courage. Tragically, one of our soldiers has also made the ultimate sacrifice in this operation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and we pray to God for the eternal peace of his soul,” the Chief Minister informed reporters.
“To date, four Naxalites have been confirmed dead in a confrontation between security forces and Naxalites in the South Abujhmad region, which borders Narayanpur and Dantewada districts. We have also received the sad news regarding the martyrdom of DRG jawan, head constable Sannu Karam during the encounter. His sacrifice shall not be in vain; our security forces are vigorously combating Naxalism, and this struggle will persist,” he posted on X.
The Chief Minister also denounced the alleged murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, whose body was found in a septic tank in Bastar on Friday.
The 32-year-old independent journalist had been missing since New Year’s Day, prompting his brother to file a missing person report the next day. Police investigations led to the discovery of his body from a shed belonging to a contractor in Chhatan Para Basti, near his residence in Bijapur.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai assured that stringent action would be taken against those responsible, stating, “The murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar is an extremely reprehensible crime. The state government is committed to taking all necessary measures to investigate this vile act. A SIT (Special Investigation Team) has been established, and we will not spare any effort in this case.”
He also addressed claims that one of the suspects, Suresh Chandrakar, a contractor, had close ties with Deepak Baij, the state Congress President.
“The contractor implicated is a Congress worker. We are continuously observing that hate goods are being sold in Congress's 'Mohabbat Ki Dukan' in the state. You will notice that in numerous previous incidents, such as in Baloda Bazar and Surajpur, individuals from Congress have been involved,” he stated.
Currently, three individuals, including two relatives of Mukesh Chandrakar, are in custody.
Ritesh Chandrakar, Mukesh's cousin, was detained at Raipur airport on Saturday. Mahendra Ramteke, a supervisor, and Dinesh Chandrakar, another relative, were also apprehended in Bijapur. The alleged mastermind behind the murder, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, remains at large.
