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Pratap’s family disputes the police version, alleging foul play and claiming he received threats over his reporting on irregularities at the Uttarkashi district hospital
Raji Pratap was the founder of Delhi Uttarakhand Live, a YouTube news channel, and a graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. (Image via X/@IIMC_India)
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the death of digital journalist Rajiv Pratap has concluded that he died in a road accident caused by drunk driving, police said on Thursday, effectively ruling out foul play.
Pratap, 36, a resident of Dehradun who had been living in Uttarkashi, went missing on the night of September 18. His body was found 10 days later, on September 28, in the Joshiada Barrage. He was the founder of Delhi Uttarakhand Live, a YouTube news channel, and a graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
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Deputy Superintendent of Police Janak Panwar, who is heading the SIT, told reporters that the conclusion was drawn after reviewing CCTV footage, witness statements, and the post-mortem report.
Panwar noted initial findings suggest that Pratap was driving under the influence when his car went off the road and into the Bhagirathi River.
According to Panwar, on the evening of his disappearance, Pratap had met with his former student and cameraman Manbir Kaluda and police constable Soban Singh. The three drank alcohol at multiple locations until about 10 pm. CCTV footage later showed Pratap leaving a hotel in an intoxicated state around 11 pm, followed by Singh. Pratap was then seen getting into Singh’s car and moving to the driver’s seat, while Singh exited.
The car was last seen on camera heading towards Gangori at 11:38 pm. It was not captured on any cameras after that point. Singh later told police that he tried to stop Pratap from driving but was ignored. He claimed to have followed him briefly on foot before returning home, assuming Pratap had gone to a relative’s house.
The vehicle was eventually found submerged, with its doors locked, keys in the ignition, and windows rolled up. Panwar said the technical inspection of the car supports the theory of accidental drowning. No signs of forced entry or tampering were found, and a single slipper was recovered from inside.
Family Allege Foul Play
Despite these findings, Pratap’s family has strongly contested the police version, alleging foul play. They claim he had received threats related to his reporting, particularly on irregularities at the Uttarkashi district hospital.
His uncle, Kripal Singh, who is also the complainant, questioned the integrity of the probe, The Indian Express reported.
“They were tasked with a special investigation, but drew conclusions too early. We have been asking why there were injuries to his eyes and head, but we have not received answers. The call detail records have not been shared with us. Also, officers from the same police station are probing the case. What is the point of an SIT if it is the same officers?” he asked.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also weighed in, calling the incident “tragic and horrific”, and accused the BJP-led government of creating an environment of fear for independent journalists.
(With inputs from PTI)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India
October 03, 2025, 22:10 IST
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