By Leah Persons

For years, Nepal has grappled with the dire issue of human trafficking, particularly affecting women and girls as young as twelve. A significant incident in 2018 involved a Nepali politician who orchestrated the trafficking of over 200 women; this individual was apprehended and convicted. However, the corrupt Supreme Court of Nepal controversially released the politician, citing mistaken identity by the accusers.

The continued prevalence of human trafficking in Nepal is attributed to the deeply rooted corruption within the country. This underscores the urgent need to escalate anti-corruption initiatives to effectively address these grave concerns.

A crucial advocate for combating corruption is Rajneesh Bhandari, an accomplished Nepali journalist, who champions the effectiveness of Investigative Journalism. With a background that spans from television reporting to multimedia journalism for prominent global news outlets like BBC, Al Jazeera, and the New York Times, Bhandari has concentrated on uncovering corruption and enforcing accountability in Nepal. His groundbreaking investigative work exposed the aforementioned politician’s involvement in trafficking with impunity.

Unlike conventional journalism that focuses on relaying information, investigative journalism is grounded in evidence-based reporting, serving as a useful instrument for holding individuals accountable. This facet is pivotal in the worldwide battle against corruption, as it not only exposes corrupt practices but also instills a sense of accountability and enlightens the public. Moreover, it aids in countering impunity, promotes independence, and bolsters service delivery accountability.

However, the terrain of investigative journalism is fraught with risks and challenges. There are instances when insufficient data impedes the creation of a credible news story. Additionally, the safety of journalists and their sources is frequently compromised. Therefore, ensuring the safety of those involved in disseminating such stories necessitates safety audits, contingency plans, and adequate funding to facilitate potential evacuations.

Bhandari contends that sustained and fortified efforts to combat corruption through investigative journalism mandate a heightened collaboration between anti-corruption crusaders and investigative journalists. This synergy can be facilitated by nurturing an open and unrestricted press, fortifying civil society, encouraging whistleblowers to work alongside journalists in converting information into news stories, nurturing independent journalists and civil society entities, and cultivating an awareness of journalistic ethics and safety protocols for those engaged in uncovering stories.

An illustrative example of Bhandari’s impactful work is his exposé on Nepal’s Red Passport Scam, which involved lawmakers forging and misusing passports. Although Bhandari exposed this scandal, the Nepali judiciary’s corruption led to the release of these lawmakers on bail. Nevertheless, he persists in his anti-corruption endeavors, asserting that justice delayed is tantamount to justice denied. His objective is to unearth corruption-related stories to facilitate the attainment of justice.

Furthermore, the efficacy of investigative journalism in combating corruption would be significantly enhanced if it could reach a global audience, transcending local boundaries. These narratives can augment public awareness and knowledge, potentially inciting collective action and garnering support both locally and internationally. A critical element is providing more substantial support to journalists.

Certain civil society organizations offer fellowships, research grants, and training to investigative journalists, and such resources should be more widely accessible. While subscription models might not be conducive to anti-corruption investigative journalism, funding from foundations can augment journalists’ operations and diversify revenue streams. Collaborative investigations are another approach that could amplify the impact of these stories.

In summation, investigative journalism wields immense potential to magnify and influence anti-corruption endeavors. Despite the multifaceted challenges faced by investigative journalists, exemplified by safety concerns and information deficits, the revelations brought to light by individuals like Bhandari galvanize public consciousness, equip society with knowledge, and embolden the populace to battle corruption. Investigative journalism stands as a pivotal stride towards diminishing global corruption and advancing democratic values.

Leah Persons