The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the death of digital journalist Rajiv Pratap has determined that it was a road accident resulting from intoxication, according to police reports. Pratap, 36, originally from Dehradun, had been residing in Uttarkashi and was reported missing on the night of September 18. His body was discovered in the Joshiada Barrage on September 28, nearly ten days after he disappeared. Deputy Superintendent of Police Janak Panwar, who leads the SIT, informed reporters that after analyzing the post-mortem report, CCTV footage, and testimonies from individuals close to Pratap, the police have reached a preliminary conclusion that it was a road accident. However, Panwar noted that other elements of the case are still under review.
On September 18, Pratap, accompanied by his former student and cameraman Manbir Kaluda, visited Chief Constable Soban Singh at the police lines. The trio later went to a market and a taxi stand, where they consumed alcohol until approximately 10 pm. Soban departed for home in his car, but Pratap requested him to wait. They then proceeded to a hotel where they purchased more alcohol and had dinner. CCTV footage from the bus station later captured Pratap leaving the hotel in a staggered manner around 11 pm. Shortly thereafter, Soban also exited the hotel, and both entered his car. However, Soban exited the vehicle after a short distance, allowing Pratap to take the driver’s seat.
The footage indicated that no one else was in the car at that time. The vehicle was later recorded by CCTV passing through Badri Tiraha and Tekhala Bridge, with its last sighting heading towards Gangori at 11:38 pm. Panwar mentioned that beyond Gangori Bridge, CCTV cameras at bank ATMs and petrol stations did not capture Pratap’s vehicle. During the investigation, Soban stated he attempted to prevent Pratap from driving due to his intoxication and infrequent driving, but Pratap insisted, saying he would drive a short distance and return. Soban claimed to have followed Pratap on foot for a while but, unable to locate him, assumed he had gone to his sister’s residence in Kot Bangla and returned home.
Police suspect the car may have lost control near Gangori and fallen into the Bhagirathi River, a theory supported by the post-mortem findings. Panwar indicated that Sub-Inspector and Investigating Officer Dilmohan Bisht conducted a technical examination of the recovered vehicle. The car’s doors were found locked, the windows covered, the ignition was on, and the keys were in the vehicle. The boot was open, likely due to impact from the crash. Panwar stated that if the driver had exited the vehicle after turning off the ignition and locking the doors, the keys would not have remained inside. The locked windows further negate the possibility of the vehicle being locked from the outside.
A blue slipper was discovered inside the car after sand was cleared, but no additional significant evidence was found. Meanwhile, Pratap’s family and the Congress party have raised concerns regarding his death, calling for an unbiased investigation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the incident as ‘tragic and horrific’ and claimed that honest journalism is threatened under BJP rule. Pratap’s father, Murari Lal, and other family members have asserted that the journalist had received threats prior to his death. In response to growing pressure, Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth ordered the establishment of the SIT, led by Panwar. Panwar reiterated that while the incident seems to be an accident, further investigation is ongoing to assess all potential angles.