Digital journalist Rajeev Pratap (36) went missing on September 18 in Uttarkashi. His body was recovered 11 days later, on September 28, from the Bhagirathi River near the Joshiyada barrage.
Police Version (Accident): Preliminary police findings and the post-mortem report suggest the death was due to a road accident. Doctors cited internal chest and abdominal injuries consistent with a vehicle crash. His car was found mangled 50-55 meters below the Gangotri highway.
Rajeev’s wife and relatives have rejected the accident theory, demanding a CBI inquiry. They claim he was targeted and silenced due to his “fearless reporting on local corruption” and sensitive issues within the district.
CCTV footage showed Rajeev driving across the Gangori bridge late on September 18.
An initial missing report was escalated to an abduction case (under Section 140(3) of BNS) after the family raised suspicions.
The DGP Uttarakhand has formed a special team under the Deputy SP Uttarkashi to conduct a thorough review of the evidence and investigate all aspects of the case.
When a journalist known for exposing corruption dies under suspicious circumstances, how can authorities ensure the investigation is transparent, unbiased, and addresses the severe allegations of foul play raised by the victim’s family?
