The body of an Indian investigative journalist has been found in a septic tank.
Mukesh Chandrakar, 32, was a freelance journalist in Chhattisgarh state who reported on alleged corruption in the construction industry on his YouTube channel, Bastar Junction.
Police found his body in a septic tank in the state’s Bijapur district on 3 January.
He had been missing since New Year’s Day.
Four people have been arrested, including three of his relatives, according to local media reports.
Mr Chandrakar’s death is said to be linked to a recent investigation into a road construction project in the Bastar region, which led to a government investigation.
A post-mortem examination showed he had suffered blunt-force injuries to his head and ribs, had a broken neck and his heart had been ripped out, India Today reported.
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The Press Council of India has called for a report on the “facts of the case”.
Vishnu Deo Sai, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, said Mr Chandrakar’s death was “heartbreaking” and pledged the “harshest punishment” for those responsible for his death.
India ranked 159 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Three or four Indian journalists are killed in connection with their work on average each year, according to Reporters Without Borders.