Uttarkashi : The death of journalist Rajiv Pratap (38) under suspicious circumstances in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has raised many questions. His body was recovered near the Joshiara Barrage on the Bhagirathi River on Sunday, September 28, after he had been missing for 10 days. Rajiv’s wife, Muskan, has alleged that he was receiving death threats following his investigative report on government corruption. Police have intensified the investigation, but the family and local journalists consider it an attack on journalistic freedom.
Received Threats Before Disappearance
Rajiv Pratap, who highlighted the region’s problems through his YouTube channel “Delhi-Uttarakhand Live,” suddenly went missing on September 16. He last spoke to his wife, Muskan, on the phone at 11 p.m. that night. According to Muskan, Rajiv told them that some people were threatening him following his recent report on irregularities at the Uttarkashi District Hospital and a local school. “He was upset. He was saying that people were calling and threatening to delete the video or they would kill him,” Muskan said. Fifty minutes later, his phone was switched off, and messages sent were not delivered.
Car Found in the River, Then the Body
The family filed a missing person’s complaint at the Uttarkashi police station the same day. The complaint stated that Rajiv was an impartial journalist and that some people were angry with him because of his reporting. The next day, Rajiv’s car was recovered on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, in which one of his slippers was found, but there was no sign of Rajiv. Police launched an intensive search, and finally, on September 28, a body was found in the river near Joshiara Barrage, which the family identified as Rajiv.
The Report That Turned into Trouble
Muskan said that on September 16, Rajiv uploaded a video on his YouTube channel exposing alleged corruption at the Uttarkashi District Hospital. The video detailed irregularities by the hospital administration, which had led to his troubles. “He always fought for the truth. But this time, perhaps someone took his courage for granted,” Muskan said through tears.
Police Investigation and Questions
Uttarkashi police have sent the body for a postmortem and have begun investigating the case. The Superintendent of Police stated that all aspects are being investigated, but no concrete evidence has been found yet. Meanwhile, local journalist organizations have called the incident an attack on press freedom and demanded an impartial investigation.
Family’s Pain and Questions
Rajiv’s family says his death may not have been an accident but the result of a conspiracy. “He was a fierce journalist. If an attempt has been made to silence his voice, the culprits should not be spared,” a family member said. This incident has reignited the debate about the safety of journalists in Uttarakhand. People are now questioning whether speaking the truth has to be paid with one’s life. The police investigation and postmortem report are expected to provide further clarity in this matter.
