Raipur/IBNS: The body of independent journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who went missing since January 1, was found in a septic tank from Bijapur's Chattanpara Basti in Chhattisgarh on Friday evening, media reports said.

His body was found in a septic tank which was found newly sealed.

Chandrakar's body was identified with his clothes.

His body was swollen and he had injuries in head and neck.

Chandrakar's body was found in the yard of a contractor, who has been questioned.

Police tracked down the body based on the victim's last mobile location.

"The contractor's employees live on the premises, and several people, including Suresh Chandrakar, are being questioned. We are investigating if Mukesh's death is linked to any of his recent stories.

"The accused will be apprehended soon," Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav said as quoted by NDTV.

Chandrakar left his home on January 1 wearing a t-shirt and shorts but soon his phone was found switched off.

When he did not return, the journalist's brother Yukesh Chandrakar started searching for him at friends' places and throughout the city.

Later, Yukesh Chandrakar, who is also a journalist, filed a missing complaint.

Known for his fearless reporting, Mukesh Chandrakar used to run a YouTube channel named Bastar Junction where he dealt with issues related to the Bastar region.