Uttarakhand Police Forms SIT to Probe Journalist Rajiv Pratap's Death:

PTI, Dehradun, October 1, 2025 : Uttarakhand Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the death of journalist Rajiv Pratap, whose body was recovered from the Bhagirathi River, officials confirmed.

Pratap, who went missing on the night of September 18, was found dead on September 28 near the Joshiada barrage in Uttarkashi district. His damaged vehicle was discovered on the riverbank on September 20.

Initially, the police stated that the postmortem report revealed Pratap died due to internal injuries to his chest and abdomen. However, further investigations are underway.

Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth announced that the SIT, headed by the Uttarkashi Deputy Superintendent of Police, will explore all aspects of the case. This will include reviewing CCTV footage, analyzing electronic evidence, examining call details, and interviewing individuals who were last seen with Pratap. Additionally, a technical evaluation of his car will be conducted.

Seth also mentioned that Pratap's family had reported receiving threatening calls, though no formal complaint had been filed. The SIT will look into this aspect as part of their investigation.

The police had launched a large-scale search operation with assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), drones, and dog squads, following information about Pratap's disappearance on September 19. CCTV footage showed him driving on September 18, and his damaged car was found two days later. An FIR for abduction was lodged based on the complaint filed by his family.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobal confirmed that the post-mortem report attributed the cause of death to internal injuries consistent with an accident, with no external injury marks found.

The formation of the SIT follows calls from opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who described Pratap’s death as "tragic" and urged for an "immediate, impartial, and transparent" investigation. On social media platform X, Gandhi posted: "There should be an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into Rajiv ji's death, and the victim's family should receive justice without delay."

Uttarkashi, Sep 30 (PTI) The postmortem report of an Uttarakhand journalist whose body was recovered from a lake in Uttarkashi district said that he died due to internal injuries to his chest and abdomen, police said on Tuesday. Doctors said such injuries are sustained during accidents.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Sarita Doval said the postmortem report did not reveal any signs of assault on the journalist's body.

Rajeev Pratap was missing since the night of September 18 and his body was recovered from Joshiyara barrage 10 days later on Sunday.

The journalist's family has alleged that he had been receiving threats following some of his news reports. Some journalists' organisations have also demanded a thorough probe into the circumstances of his death.

SP Doval said, "The postmortem report states that he died due to internal injuries to his chest and abdomen. According to doctors, such injuries occur during accidents."

The SP said on the night of September 18, after having dinner with his friend at the Chauhan Hotel at the Uttarkashi bus stand, Pratap left Uttarkashi in his friend's car for Gangori.

When he did not return, his friend informed the police and his family on September 19, she said.

Based on the family's complaint, the police registered a case and launched an intensive search.

Doval said CCTV footage examined during the investigation showed Pratap driving alone at 11:39 pm on September 18, and the next day his car was found about 500 metres away from the location.

She said his slippers were recovered from his car after a search.

The officer said that investigation is still going on in the case and that Pratap's family has also brought forward some information.

Further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge, she added.