CPJ calls for credible investigation into death of Indian journalist Rajeev Pratap

New Delhi, September 29, 2025—Indian authorities must conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the death of journalist Rajeev Pratap, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Monday.

“Authorities in Uttarakhand state should not discount any possible causes of Rajeev Pratap’s death, including his family’s serious allegation that he was targeted for his journalism,” said Kunāl Majumder, CPJ’s India representative. “The initial police conclusion that he died because of a car crash must not preclude a rigorous examination of the threats made against him. Those who threaten journalists must be held accountable.”

On September 28, the body of Pratap, who ran the YouTube news channel Delhi Uttarakhand Live, was recovered from the Joshiyara hydroelectric barrage on the Bhagirathi River in northern Uttarakhand state, news reports said. His car was found upstream on September 19, a day after his wife last spoke to him.

Police have said no injury marks were found on Pratap’s body and that preliminary investigations indicate he died in a car accident. But his family has alleged foul play, and filed an abduction complaint with investigators.

Pratap’s wife Muskan said he had told her he was “feeling anxious” and that “many people were calling him, threatening to kill him” if he did not remove a video report about alcohol consumption at Uttarkashi district hospital, according to the Indian Express, a daily newspaper.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobhal did not immediately respond to CPJ’s email requesting comment. She has said investigators are waiting for a post-mortem report before taking further action.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a “though and impartial” investigation into Pratap’s death.