The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the death of digital journalist Rajiv Pratap has that it was a case of road accident caused by intoxication, police said on Thursday., police said on Thursday. Pratap, 36, originally from Dehradun and living in Uttarkashi, went missing on the night of September 18. His body was recovered nearly 10 days later, on September 28, from the Joshiada Barrage.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Janak Panwar, who heads the SIT, said the team arrived at a preliminary conclusion after reviewing the post-mortem report, CCTV footage, and statements from those close to the journalist. However, he added that further aspects of the case are still under investigation.
Night Out with Colleague Preceded Tragic Incident
According to Panwar, Pratap had spent the evening of September 18 with his former student and cameraman, Manbir Kaluda, and Chief Constable Soban Singh, who is stationed at the police lines. The trio visited a market and taxi stand, consuming alcohol until about 10 pm.
Soban left in his car, but Pratap asked him to wait. They later went to a hotel, where they purchased more alcohol and had dinner. CCTV footage showed Pratap leaving the hotel around 11 pm, appearing unsteady. Soban also exited shortly after, and both entered the vehicle. At some point, Soban stepped out, leaving Pratap in the driver’s seat, Panwar explained. The car was then recorded passing through Badri Tiraha and Tekhala Bridge, last seen near Gangori at 11.38 pm.
During questioning, Soban said he tried to stop Pratap from driving due to intoxication, but Pratap insisted, saying, ‘I’ll go a little further, turn the car around and be back.’ Soban reportedly followed on foot for a short distance but, unable to locate him, assumed he had gone to his sister’s house in Kot Bangla.
Vehicle Found in River, Investigation Continues
Police suspect Pratap’s car lost control near Gangori and plunged into the Bhagirathi River, a conclusion supported by the post-mortem report. Technical inspection by Sub-Inspector Dilmohan Bisht found all doors locked, windows covered, the ignition on, and keys inside the vehicle. The boot was open, likely due to the crash.
Panwar noted, had the driver exited the vehicle after turning off the ignition and locking the doors, the keys would not have been left inside. He added that the locked windows rule out the possibility of the vehicle being locked externally. Investigators also found a blue slipper inside the car, but no other key evidence.
Pratap’s family and the Congress party have raised concerns, demanding an impartial probe. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the incident ‘tragic and horrific’ and said honest journalism faces threats under BJP rule. Family members also claimed Pratap had received threats before his death. In response, Uttarakhand DG Deepam Seth formed the SIT to ensure a thorough investigation.
Panwar emphasized that while the evidence points to an accident, “further investigation is underway to explore all possible angles.”