Uttarkashi: The post-mortem examination of Rajeev Pratap, an Uttarakhand journalist whose body was recovered from a lake in Uttarkashi district, has revealed that he succumbed to internal injuries sustained in his chest and abdomen. Police officials shared on Tuesday that doctors have suggested these types of injuries are typically consistent with accidental occurrences. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Sarita Doval stated that the report did not show any evidence of assault on the journalist’s body.
Rajeev Pratap had been missing since the evening of September 18. His body was discovered in the Joshiyara barrage ten days later, on Sunday. However, Pratap’s family has raised concerns, alleging that he had received threats related to some of his published news reports. Similarly, several journalist organizations have called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
SP Doval elaborated on the findings, stating, “The postmortem report confirms death due to internal injuries to the chest and abdomen. Medical professionals indicated that such injuries are commonly sustained during accidents.” She further detailed that on the night of September 18, after dining with a friend at Chauhan Hotel near the Uttarkashi bus stand, Pratap had departed Uttarkashi in his friend’s car, heading towards Gangori. His absence was noted the following day, September 19, prompting his friend to notify the police and his family.
Following a complaint from the family, the police registered a case and initiated an extensive search. SP Doval added that CCTV footage reviewed during the investigation captured Pratap driving alone at 11:39 pm on September 18. The next day, his car was found approximately 500 meters from that location. His slippers were also recovered from the vehicle during the search. The investigation is ongoing, with Pratap’s family having provided additional information. Further actions will be determined based on the emerging facts of the case.
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