Investigators will look into circumstances surrounding Rajiv Pratap’s death, including potential foul play and previous threats.
Days after the body of journalist Rajiv Pratap was discovered at the Joshiyara barrage in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Police established a special investigation team (SIT) to determine the circumstances of his death. Pratap, who was 36 years old, had been reported missing on September 18. His vehicle, found damaged on the bank of the Bhagirathi River, raised concerns following its discovery two days later, prompting an extensive search effort by authorities.
The police received a report of Pratap’s disappearance on September 19, leading them to enlist the help of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force in the search. The following day, a first information report was filed based on a complaint from his family, which expressed concerns regarding his safety due to his recent work.
Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobhal stated that preliminary investigations indicated that Pratap’s death might have resulted from a car accident. She noted that the post-mortem examination revealed internal injuries in the chest and abdominal areas, which could have occurred during the incident. No external injuries were reported, which complicates the narrative surrounding the nature of his death.
Director General of Police Deepam Seth mentioned that the SIT would be led by the deputy superintendent of police for Uttarkashi. The team is tasked with exploring all angles of the case, including reviewing CCTV footage, analyzing electronic evidence, and assessing call details. Investigators will also interview individuals who were last seen with Pratap and conduct a technical evaluation of his vehicle.
In the context of the investigation, there are allegations from Pratap’s family suggesting that he had been receiving threatening phone calls prior to his disappearance. However, it was noted that no formal complaint regarding these threats had been filed. This aspect of the case is crucial, given the potential implications of foul play in his death.
According to reports, Pratap’s last known sighting was captured on CCTV footage on September 18, the same day he went missing. His uncle, Kirpal Singh, expressed concern over the journalist’s reporting on local matters, highlighting the anxiety that Pratap felt regarding his work. Singh remarked on the uncertainty surrounding who might have wished him harm, indicating that recovering Pratap’s phone could provide vital answers.
Pratap’s wife, Muskan, recounted a conversation with him around 11 PM on the night he disappeared. She noted that he had expressed feelings of anxiety about his reporting, particularly regarding a hospital and a school. She claimed that he was being threatened with violence if certain videos were not removed from his YouTube channel, Delhi Uttarakhand Live. Muskan recalled sending a message shortly after their conversation, which failed to deliver, leading her to believe that he may have been abducted.
