SIT Declares Journalist’s Death an Accident, Opposition Sees Conspiracy

The mysterious death of 36-year-old digital journalist Rajiv Pratap has taken a dramatic turn, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) concluding that it was a road accident triggered by intoxication. However, lingering doubts and allegations of foul play continue to fuel controversy, as Pratap’s family and opposition leaders demand a deeper probe into the circumstances surrounding his demise.

Pratap, a Dehradun resident based in Uttarkashi, went missing on the night of September 18. His body was recovered 10 days later, on September 28, from the Joshiada Barrage, sparking widespread speculation. The SIT, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Janak Panwar, has pieced together a timeline of events based on CCTV footage, witness statements, and the post-mortem report, pointing to a tragic accident.

According to Panwar, on the evening of September 18, Pratap was accompanied by his former student and cameraman, Manbir Kaluda, and Chief Constable Soban Singh. The trio visited a market and a taxi stand, where they consumed alcohol until around 10 p.m. After Soban left for home, Pratap reportedly insisted on continuing the night. They proceeded to a hotel, where they purchased more alcohol and had dinner.

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CCTV footage from the bus station captured Pratap staggering out of the hotel around 11 p.m., with Soban following shortly after. Both entered Soban’s car, but Soban soon exited, leaving Pratap, who was visibly intoxicated, to take the driver’s seat. The vehicle was later seen on CCTV passing through Badri Tiraha and Tekhala Bridge, heading toward Gangori at 11:38 p.m. Beyond this point, the car vanished from surveillance, as no footage from nearby ATMs or petrol pumps recorded its movement.

Panwar revealed that Soban, during questioning, admitted he had tried to stop Pratap from driving, citing his intoxicated state and lack of driving experience. Pratap reportedly brushed off the concern, saying, “I’ll go a little further, turn around, and be back.” Soban claimed he followed on foot briefly but, unable to locate Pratap, assumed he had gone to his sister’s house in Kot Bangla and returned home.

The SIT believes the car lost control near Gangori and plunged into the Bhagirathi River. The post-mortem report supports this theory, and a technical inspection of the recovered vehicle revealed critical details: all doors were locked, windows were closed, the ignition was on, and the keys were inside. The open boot suggested the crash’s impact, and a single blue slipper was found inside after clearing out sand. Panwar noted that the presence of the keys and locked windows rules out the possibility of someone exiting and locking the vehicle from outside.

Despite the SIT’s findings, Pratap’s family and the Congress party have raised serious concerns. Pratap’s father, Murari Lal, alleged that the journalist had received threats prior to his death, hinting at a possible conspiracy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the incident “tragic and horrific,” accusing the BJP-ruled state of creating an environment where “honest journalism lives in fear.” The mounting pressure prompted Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth to form the SIT to ensure a thorough investigation.

While the SIT maintains that the evidence points to an alcohol-fueled accident, Panwar emphasized that other angles are still being explored to address public skepticism. The case has sparked heated debates, with questions lingering about whether Pratap’s death was truly an accident or if darker forces were at play. As the investigation continues, Uttarkashi remains gripped by the unfolding drama, awaiting answers that could either confirm the SIT’s conclusions or unravel a deeper mystery.

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