The body of Uttarakhand journalist Rajeev Pratap, aged 36, was recovered from the Joshiyara barrage in Uttarkashi district on Sunday, several days after he went missing. Rajeev Pratap, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), ran a YouTube channel called Delhi Uttarakhand Live where he reported on local issues, including alleged irregularities in hospitals and schools.
According to the police, the incident appears to be an accident. They stated that Rajeev’s car was found in a mangled condition in the Bhagirathi River near Gangori on September 19, a day after he was last seen. Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobhal said, “Prima facie, his car fell into a gorge and then into the river, which was swollen during that time. CCTV footage from a few minutes before the incident shows him sitting alone in the car.”
Timeline of Events
According to report by The Indian Express:
September 16: Rajeev uploaded a video highlighting the poor condition of the District Hospital in Uttarkashi.
September 18, 11:20 pm: He was last seen in his Alto car near a bus stop in Uttarkashi.
September 19: His car was recovered from the Bhagirathi River.
September 22: His body was found at the Joshiyara barrage and later identified by family members.
Family’s Allegations
The family of Uttarakhand journalist Rajeev Pratap has strongly refuted the police’s claim of an accident. His wife, Muskan, revealed that he had received death threats after posting the hospital video. “He told me he was anxious after his reports. Many people were calling and threatening him, demanding that he take the videos down. Around 11 pm, we spoke, but by 11:50 my messages stopped delivering. I believe he was abducted,” she alleged.
The family lodged a missing person’s complaint soon after the car was discovered. In their complaint, they expressed fears that he had been harmed because of his journalism, noting that he had created enmity with several individuals through his reporting. Based on this, police registered an FIR under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to abduction.
Police Investigation
The police have maintained that the death was accidental, but they confirmed that further steps will depend on the postmortem report. “The family has levelled allegations regarding his death, and we are waiting for the medical examination report to confirm the exact cause,” SP Dobhal said.
Officials noted that during the recovery of the vehicle, one slipper belonging to Rajeev was found inside the car. They added that strong river currents might have carried the body downstream until it was recovered at the barrage on Sunday.
Demand for Justice
The death of Uttarakhand journalist Rajeev Pratap has sparked concern among media circles and civil society. His family insists that he was targeted for his work and have demanded a thorough probe into the threats he received. They argue that his questions on corruption and public accountability must not be silenced.
As investigations continue, journalists and rights activists have called for transparency and fairness in handling the case. The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by regional journalists who report on sensitive issues.
People on social media also demanding justice for the journalist and asking hard questions.
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