SIT says Uttarakhand journalist died in car accident post drinking late-night with police, family alleges probe rushed: Report

Journalist Rajiv Pratap

The Uttarakhand Police’s special investigation team (SIT) has claimed that journalist Rajiv Pratap, whose body was found in the Joshiyara Barrage on September 28, had been drinking and later met with a fatal car accident on September 18, according to a report by The Indian Express. The 36-year-old, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication who ran the YouTube channel Delhi Uttarakhand Live, was reported missing on September 19 in Uttarkashi.

According to the SIT, Pratap was last seen on the night of September 18. That evening, he had been allegedly drinking with Head Constable Soban Singh and his cameraman, Manveer Kaluda. The three first reportedly gathered near Shaheed Smarak around 7 pm, before heading back to a taxi stand where they continued drinking. By 10 pm, Kaluda went home, leaving Pratap and Singh together. The duo later drove to the market and then went to a hotel near the bus stand. “At around 11 pm, Pratap is seen leaving the hotel, appearing under the influence of liquor. A short while later, Soban Singh also leaves. Both sit in the vehicle, but Singh steps out soon after,” the police have been quoted in the report.

According to the report, the investigation team has pieced together his movements through CCTV. Footage showed Singh talking to Pratap in his car at 11.22 pm. One minute later, Pratap drove away alone. The car was subsequently spotted at Badri Tiraha, then Tekhla Bridge, and finally at Gangori bridge at 11.38 pm. After that, there were no further sightings on camera, police has been quoted as saying.

Singh told investigators that he had warned Pratap not to drive but the journalist insisted, appearing “unsteady,” and then left. Singh claimed he walked some distance in the same direction but did not see the vehicle again and returned to his accommodation.

The next day, Singh helped identify Pratap’s car when it was recovered below the road near Gangori bridge. Police said a bag belonging to Singh was also found about 600 metres away from the bridge, close to the spot where the vehicle is believed to have plunged into the gorge. The river below, police added, was particularly forceful that night because of water released from the Maneri dam, likely sweeping the vehicle downstream.

A technical inspection of the car suggested no foul play, according to police. The report stated that all doors were locked, windows rolled up, and the ignition was on with the key still inside. The glass was broken, which investigators attributed to the fall. “There were no signs of tampering, with the locks intact,” officials noted.

The postmortem said that Pratap died of haemorrhage and shock caused by internal injuries in the chest and abdomen. “No injuries caused by assault or external objects were found in the report. Internal injuries were consistent with impact from the steering wheel, which is common when a vehicle falls,” police has been quoted to say.

Meanwhile, the SIT questioned drivers of two pickups and a tempo traveller that were captured on CCTV crossing the Gangori area within minutes of Pratap’s car. “The drivers were questioned extensively and their vehicles checked, but no useful information was obtained,” the police has been quoted, adding that collection of electronic evidence was ongoing.

Despite these findings, Pratap’s family has dismissed the accident theory, alleging that the probe is being rushed. His uncle, Kripal Singh, the complainant in the case, said: “They were tasked with a special investigation, but drew conclusions too early. We have been asking why there were injuries to his eyes and head, but we have not received answers. The call detail records have not been shared with us. Also, officers from the same police station are probing the case. What is the point of an SIT if it is the same officers?" he has been quoted in the report.

The family has linked the tragedy to Pratap’s recent reporting on conditions at the Uttarkashi district hospital and insist that he had been facing threats before his death. The police, however, continue to describe the case as an accident following drinking, the report said.