The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the tragic death of digital journalist Rajiv Pratap has concluded that his demise was the result of a road accident, primarily caused by intoxication, police announced on Thursday, October 3, 2025.
Pratap, 36, a Dehradun resident living in Uttarkashi, vanished on the night of September 18. His body was tragically recovered from the Joshiada Barrage ten days later, on September 28. Following the recovery of his body and initial reports of internal injuries, Uttarakhand police had promptly formed this SIT to delve into the circumstances of his death.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Janak Panwar, leading the SIT, addressed reporters, stating that after a thorough review of the post-mortem report, available CCTV footage, and statements from individuals close to Pratap, the police have reached a preliminary conclusion of a road accident.
However, Panwar emphasized that other potential aspects of the case continue to be rigorously examined.
Recounting the events of September 18, Panwar detailed that Pratap, accompanied by his former student and cameraman Manbir Kaluda, met with Chief Constable Soban Singh at the police lines. The trio later moved to the local market and a taxi stand, where they consumed alcohol until approximately 10 p.m.
Soban Singh initially left for home in his car, but Pratap requested him to wait. They then proceeded to a hotel, purchasing more alcohol and having dinner there.
CCTV footage from the bus station captured Pratap visibly unsteady as he exited the hotel around 11 p.m. Shortly thereafter, Soban Singh also left the hotel, and both men got into Soban’s car. Intriguingly, Soban then exited the vehicle, and Pratap moved into the driver’s seat, according to the officer.
The footage confirmed no other occupants were in the vehicle. Pratap’s car was subsequently seen on CCTV cameras traversing Badri Tiraha and Tekhala Bridge, with its last sighting at 11:38 p.m., heading towards Gangori.
Panwar noted that while CCTV cameras are installed at bank ATMs and petrol pumps beyond Gangori Bridge, Pratap’s vehicle was not detected in any of that subsequent footage.
During questioning, Mr. Soban informed police that he had attempted to discourage Pratap from driving, citing his intoxication and infrequent driving habits. However, Pratap reportedly insisted, saying, ‘I’ll go a little further, turn the car around and be back.’
Soban claimed he followed Pratap for a short distance on foot but, losing sight of him, presumed he had gone to his sister’s house in Kot Bangla and returned home.
Police strongly suspect that the car veered out of control near Gangori, plunging into the Bhagirathi River. This theory is further substantiated by the findings of the post-mortem report, Panwar confirmed.
He further elaborated on the technical inspection of the recovered vehicle by Sub-Inspector and Investigating Officer Dilmohan Bisht. The inspection revealed that all doors were locked, windows were closed, the ignition was on, and the keys were still in the ignition. The boot was found open, likely due to the impact of the crash.
Panwar added that the report suggests that if the driver had exited the vehicle after turning off the ignition and locking the doors, the keys would not have been left inside. The locked windows reinforce the conclusion that the vehicle was not locked from the outside by someone after an exit.
Only a blue slipper was discovered inside the car after the removal of sand, with no other significant evidence recovered, he stated.
Meanwhile, Pratap’s family and the Congress party have voiced serious suspicions regarding his death, pressing for a thorough and impartial investigation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly denounced the incident as ‘tragic and horrific,’ alleging that independent journalism operates under duress in regions governed by the BJP.
Pratap’s father, Murari Lal, along with other family members, have also asserted that the journalist had received threats prior to his untimely death. In response to mounting public pressure, Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth ordered the formation of the SIT, now led by Mr. Panwar.
Mr. Panwar reiterated that while the evidence strongly points to an accidental death, the investigation remains open to meticulously explore all possible angles and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the incident.