Uttarakhand Police Forms SIT to Probe Rajiv Pratap’s Death

The Uttarakhand Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe the death of journalist Rajiv Pratap, whose body was recovered from the Bhagirathi River near Joshiada barrage in the Uttarkashi district on September 28, 2025. Rajiv Pratap had gone missing on the night of September 18, and his damaged vehicle was found on the riverbank a few days later on September 20.

Initial police reports cited the postmortem examination identifying Rajiv's cause of death as internal injuries to his chest and abdomen, which are consistent with injuries sustained in an accident. No external injury marks were observed on the body. A preliminary investigation conducted by the Uttarkashi Police also found no signs indicating foul play. However, the special investigation team was specifically formed in response to concerns raised by the journalist's family and opposition political leaders demanding a transparent inquiry.

The SIT, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Uttarkashi, will undertake a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the case. This includes reviewing CCTV footage, electronic evidence, call records, and statements from individuals last seen with Rajiv Pratap. Additionally, a technical evaluation of his vehicle will be conducted to understand the circumstances of the incident fully. The SIT will also probe reports from Rajiv's family indicating that he had received threatening phone calls before his disappearance, although no formal complaint had been lodged regarding these threats.

The case has generated significant public attention, partly due to the sensitive nature of journalist safety in India, where attacks and threats to the lives of media persons have been a matter of concern for advocacy groups and human rights organisations. The call for a neutral and prompt investigation has gained widespread support, including from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who described Rajiv Pratap’s death as “tragic” and demanded immediate and impartial inquiry so that justice for the family is ensured without delay.

Rajiv Pratap's disappearance had triggered a large-scale search operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), drones, and canine units. His last known movements were captured in CCTV footage, showing him driving on the night he went missing.

While the current investigation points to an accident as the cause of death, the formation of the SIT reflects the authorities' acknowledgment of the need for a deeper probe amid allegations and suspicions from the deceased's family and observers. The situation highlights the precarious position journalists sometimes face in carrying out their work, particularly when their reporting may lead to threats or intimidation.

The Rajiv Pratap case underscores the larger challenge of ensuring journalist safety in India, where unresolved threats and attacks against media workers have occasionally led to tragic outcomes. It also stresses the importance of law enforcement agencies conducting transparent investigations promptly to maintain public trust and uphold democratic values like freedom of the press.

As the SIT proceeds with its investigation, the focus remains on gathering all available evidence to determine the true circumstances surrounding Rajiv Pratap’s death. The hope is that this inquiry will provide clarity and justice while reinforcing the importance of protecting journalists who play a critical role in society by informing the public.

This developing case serves as a reminder of the vital role investigative journalism plays and the responsibility of the state to create a safe environment for journalists to work without fear or harassment. It also calls for vigilance to ensure that any threats against media personnel are treated with utmost seriousness and addressed expeditiously.

In summary, the Uttarakhand Police's constitution of a Special Investigation Team to probe the death of journalist Rajiv Pratap reflects a necessary step towards a thorough and impartial investigation into his mysterious death. Whether it was indeed an accident or something more will be revealed by the SIT's efforts in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, it is essential that the journalist's family is given justice and the authorities remain transparent about the findings. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of journalists in India and the imperatives of protecting press freedom in a democratic society.

With inputs from agencies

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