Nepal News introduced the NNIU to address the growing need for authentic, in-depth journalism in Nepal’s evolving media landscape. As legacy media grapple with the multiple crisis, the importance of investigative journalism has never been greater.
NNIU was created to hold power accountable, expose societal anomalies, and counter misinformation that manipulates public opinion through troll armies and hate speech. By producing genuine, long-form, and solution-driven content, NNIU aims to restore trust in journalism, combat cynicism, and provide clarity in a world overwhelmed by raw, unfiltered information.
In a time of crisis for Nepal’s media, NNIU is committed to reinforcing the principles of independence, truth, and accountability, ensuring journalism continues to play its vital role in a healthy democracy.
Nepal News wants to bridge the gap between daily reporting and in-depth investigative journalism. Under new management, the focus shifted to producing organic, authentic, and long-form content that uncovers complex truths and holds power to account. By dedicating time, resources, and expertise, NNIU aims to expose wrongdoing, ensure accountability, and strengthen democratic institutions. As a custodian of the public’s right to information, Nepal News is committed to impartial, fair, and impactful journalism that serves the greater good.
The NNIU aims to uncover and report issues of public interest, focusing on corruption, malpractices, and social injustices in Nepal to hold individuals and institutions accountable.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) tackles a broad spectrum of critical issues, including government corruption, environmental degradation, human rights abuses, organized crime, human trafficking, and corporate misconduct. Its investigations delve into topics such as bribery in government and corporations, tax evasion, financial fraud, healthcare system inefficiencies, educational inequities, misuse of public funds, abuse of power by officials, labor rights violations, electoral fraud, consumer safety, social justice, discrimination, cybersecurity breaches, cross-border trafficking, law enforcement misconduct, misinformation campaigns, corporate responsibility, and infrastructure negligence.
NNIU investigations can take various forms: rolling investigations that unfold over time, breaking news investigations conducted swiftly to uncover immediate causes—such as a building or bridge collapse—or shorter investigations requiring only weeks. For long-term, complex issues, NNIU embraces collaborative investigative journalism, partnering with other news organizations or forming consortia of journalists to ensure a comprehensive and impactful investigation.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) is a fully independent, self-funded initiative. Nepal News allocates key financial resources, primarily derived from advertisements and digital revenue, to support the production of high-quality investigative content.

NNIU’s funding is entirely internal, sourced from within the Nepal News newsroom budget. It operates without external financial assistance, rejecting support or alliances with international INGOs, interest groups, or external partners in financial matters. This approach ensures that the unit functions with complete independence and remains free from any undue influence.

By prioritizing transparency and accountability, Nepal News demonstrates its commitment to fostering unbiased investigative journalism that serves the public interest. This independence allows NNIU to pursue stories with integrity and uphold the highest standards of journalistic excellence.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) matters because it stands for truth, authentic journalism, and exposing hidden wrongdoings. It delves deep into complex topics, uncovering facts and presenting evidence to shed light on stories that would otherwise remain hidden. For Nepali audiences, NNIU is crucial in bringing the truth to the surface, offering detailed, in-depth reporting on matters of public interest.

As access to information grows and social media becomes more influential, the demand for thorough investigative journalism has intensified. The NNIU plays a key role in ensuring that events or topics that some may wish to conceal become part of the public discourse, empowering citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions. It is an essential force for transparency and accountability in today’s media landscape.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) is committed to upholding the essence of investigative journalism by acting as a watchdog for society. It strives to reveal hidden truths, expose wrongdoing, and empower citizens with accurate and impactful information. NNIU’s work is not just about investigating but about shaping societies for the better by fostering transparency, fairness, and justice. By providing in-depth, accurate, and ethical journalism, NNIU aims to be a cornerstone of accountability and a defender of the public’s right to information.

• Revealing Scandals: NNIU focuses on uncovering scandals, tracing infringements of laws, regulations, or ethical standards by companies, organizations, and individuals.
• Policy Assessment: It evaluates the policies and actions of governments, corporations, and other institutions, holding them accountable for their decisions and their impact on society.
• Social Trends Analysis: The unit identifies and reports on social, economic, political, and cultural trends, tracing changes within society to provide meaningful insights.
• Watchdog Role: By doggedly pursuing and reporting on malpractices and wrongdoing, NNIU brings illicit activities to public attention and often to regulatory and law enforcement authorities.
• Championing Democracy: It ensures that powerful forces—whether in the corporate, governmental, or societal realms—are called to account, exposing activities that others might prefer to keep secret.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) team consists of a dedicated core group of professionals, including seasoned investigative journalists, experienced editors, thorough researchers, and legal advisors, all committed to upholding the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in investigative reporting. The team works closely with the various bureaus and partners of Nepal News, bringing together diverse expertise to ensure the highest standards in investigative journalism. In addition, specialized roles such as data analysts, digital security experts, and communication strategists further support the unit in navigating complex investigations while protecting the anonymity of sources and ensuring the accuracy of the information gathered. This collaborative effort helps NNIU deliver in-depth, impactful investigations that hold the powerful accountable.

Confidentiality of sources is a core principle of ethical journalism at Nepal News, and the Investigative Unit (NNIU) takes this responsibility very seriously. We employ secure communication methods and take all necessary precautions to protect the identities of whistleblowers and informants. We understand the importance of keeping source identities confidential, even in legal or court proceedings, and will never disclose them unless legally required or in extreme cases where safety is compromised.

When a journalist agrees to protect a source’s identity, we ensure that all efforts are made to maintain confidentiality, especially when there is a risk of arrest, harm, or retaliation. Sources are strongly advised not to visit our office or discuss details in public to avoid exposure. We are also aware of the increasing levels of digital surveillance and monitoring, and we provide detailed advice to protect our sources from such risks.

To maintain the integrity of the investigation and ensure that sources are authentic and reliable, NNIU journalists are required to share source information only with the Bureau Chief and Editor-in-Chief. This ensures that proper verification is carried out while safeguarding the source’s identity. By following these guidelines, we prioritize the safety of our sources while maintaining the highest standards of investigative journalism.

The investigative process at the Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) is time-consuming and demanding, requiring meticulous research, fact-checking, and verification to produce authentic and impactful content. This thorough process ensures that NNIU’s investigative work is credible, well-researched, and in the public’s best interest. Investigations typically begin with identifying issues, assignment, followed by extensive research, data collection, source interviews, analysis, and drafting a comprehensive report. The process basically involves the following steps:

1. Idea Generation: Journalists identify potential topics or leads for investigation based on their relevance, public interest, and potential impact.
2. Research and Information Gathering: Reporters dive deep into public records, conduct interviews, and analyze data to collect relevant information for the investigation.
3. Analysis and Verification: All collected information must be corroborated through multiple independent sources. Each fact is verified for accuracy and reliability before proceeding further.
4. Structuring the Story: The gathered data is organized into a coherent and compelling narrative that clearly communicates the investigative findings to the audience.
5. Editing: The first draft is reviewed by experts within the team, followed by a final review from the bureau chief. The draft then undergoes additional edits from other desks, with proofreading and fact-checking to ensure the content is both accurate and authentic.

Publication: Once finalized, the investigative piece is published. This often involves collaboration with editors, lawyers, and fact-checkers to ensure legal compliance and factual accuracy.

Integrity is the foundation of the Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU). Investigative journalism demands a steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth while maintaining impartiality, independence, and accountability. At NNIU, integrity ensures that our investigations are free from external pressures and focused solely on serving the public interest.

Core Principles of Investigative Integrity

1. Uncompromised Independence:
   • NNIU investigators must not be influenced, swayed, or bought by any external entity.
   • They reject favors, bribes, or any form of inducement that could compromise their objectivity or the investigation’s credibility.
2. Editorial Impartiality:
   • Investigators must not accept financial rewards, gifts, or services beyond their salary.
   • They must refrain from engaging in or promoting investigations driven by personal, partisan, or organizational interests.
3. Transparency and Accountability:
   • All investigations must be guided by public interest and supported by evidence.
   • Investigators must remain free from any chains that could limit their ability to expose wrongdoing or hidden truths.

Guidelines for Investigative Practices

1. Promotional Content:
   • NNIU investigators must retain full editorial control over material uncovered or provided during investigations.
   • Any decisions to include external information or references must be based on independent editorial justification.
2. Conflict of Interest:
   • Investigators must disclose any personal, financial, or organizational connections that could impact the investigation’s integrity.
   • They must avoid situations where conflicts of interest may arise, such as investigating entities with which they have prior affiliations or biases.
3. Gifts and Material Incentives:
   • Investigators must not accept gifts, discounts, or free services from individuals, groups, or organizations related to their investigations.
   • Facilities provided to aid investigations, such as access to locations or resources, must come with no strings attached.
4. Media Trips and Expenses:
   • Investigative trips should be funded by NNIU to maintain independence.
   • If external funding is unavoidable, the source of funding must be disclosed and evaluated for potential influence.
5. External Contributions:
   • Investigators must critically assess information provided by external sources to ensure it aligns with the principles of impartiality and transparency.
6. Use of Sensitive Information:
   • Investigators must ensure that references to products, services, or organizations within their findings are justified by the public interest and investigative necessity.
   • Sensitive or promotional material should not appear as endorsements or advertisements.
7. Publication Ethics:
   • All investigative outputs must undergo rigorous fact-checking, legal review, and verification to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
   • Investigators must maintain accountability for their findings and ensure they withstand public and legal scrutiny.

Commitment to Investigative Excellence

NNIU operates with the highest standards of integrity to expose hidden truths and hold the powerful accountable. By adhering to these principles, NNIU ensures that every investigation is credible, unbiased, and impactful, serving the public interest and upholding the values of authentic journalism. We adhere to ethical journalism standards, ensuring truthfulness, accuracy, and impartiality in all our reports. Rigorous verification processes are employed to fact-check information before publication.

The duration of an investigation by the Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) can vary greatly depending on the complexity and nature of the issues. Investigations typically range from a few weeks to several months. Our team is committed to gathering thorough and accurate information, and will continue the investigation until enough evidence has been collected or until it is determined that there isn’t sufficient evidence to proceed.

The process may involve waiting for supporting evidence, cross-checking documents, and interviewing a range of individuals, including witnesses, government insiders, experts, victims, and additional suspects. The time needed to track down and confirm sources, as well as to carefully verify all gathered information, plays a significant role in the timeline.

The length of the investigation may also be influenced by the caseload of the NNIU, the seriousness of the issue at hand, and its potential impact. In some cases, investigations can take longer, especially when dealing with complex or sensitive topics. However, we strive to maintain a steady flow of content and updates as investigations progress.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) utilizes a wide range of resources to conduct thorough and effective investigations. We employ a combination of traditional and modern research methods, ensuring that every investigation is backed by reliable, verified data. NNIU team has access to public records, government documents, legal filings, and other official materials, which are essential for building a strong issue. Additionally, we consult with experts in various fields, including law, finance, human rights, and environmental science, to provide context and insights into complex issues.

Our investigative approach also includes data analysis, using advanced tools and techniques to identify patterns, trends, and inconsistencies that may otherwise go unnoticed. We collaborate with necessary investigative entities. Our team works with whistleblowers and confidential sources to uncover hidden truths, using secure communication methods to protect their identities. NNIU committed to leveraging every available resource to uncover the truth, hold the powerful accountable, and inform the public with accurate and well-researched reports.

The public can submit tips, news ideas, topics, or documents to Nepal News Investigative Unit via email at [email protected], through our hotline, or using our secure submission platform. We ensure the safety and anonymity of the source, and provide guidance on how to submit information securely. For sensitive or large submissions, we offer customized solutions to protect the identity of high-risk sources. We recommend using privacy-focused email services such as ProtonMail, Tutanota, Hushmail, and similar secure platforms, and using Tor for enhanced anonymity when submitting documents.

Yes, individuals are encouraged to submit their inquiries or concerns regarding potential issues they believe warrant investigation through our official channels. We welcome tips, documents, and detailed information that may highlight significant matters affecting public interest. Once submitted, our editorial team and investigative unit will thoroughly evaluate each request based on its relevance, potential impact, and alignment with our journalistic standards and ethical guidelines.

Factors such as the issue’s significance, the availability of supporting evidence, and the potential to affect positive change are considered during the evaluation process. While we may not be able to investigate every request, we prioritize investigations that have substantial public interest, aim to expose wrongdoing, or contribute to greater transparency and accountability. If you have a specific concern or issue you’d like investigated, please reach out to us via email or our hotline, and we will guide you through the submission process to ensure confidentiality and safety for all sources.

The findings or stories of an investigation conducted by the Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) are published to the audience after a comprehensive and rigorous process of verification. All investigations and their findings are made public through in-depth stories, articles, documentaries, or multimedia reports, ensuring transparency and delivering the full context of the issue to our readers. The goal is to inform and empower the public by shedding light on significant matters that may otherwise be overlooked or hidden.

Before publication, NNIU follows a meticulous editorial review process, which includes multiple rounds of fact-checking, corroboration, and expert consultation to ensure that all information is accurate, reliable, and credible. This process also includes a legal review to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

While the findings of investigations are generally published, the confidentiality of sources is always prioritized. If a source’s identity needs to be protected for their safety or other reasons, that information will be handled with the utmost care, and their anonymity will be maintained throughout the reporting process.

In cases where the investigation involves sensitive or classified information, a careful assessment is made to ensure the release of information does not endanger individuals or compromise national security. Our commitment is to report the truth in a responsible manner, balancing the public’s right to know with the need to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold ethical journalistic standards.

At the Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU), combating misinformation is a core responsibility. We actively counter misinformation by ensuring that all our investigative reports are thoroughly researched, verified, and based on credible sources. When misinformation is identified, whether in the media or public discourse, we make it a priority to provide accurate information and publish timely corrections or clarifications. This commitment to factual reporting is essential to uphold our integrity and the trust of our audience.

In addition, NNIU works diligently to distinguish between misinformation, disinformation, and genuine reporting errors. We employ rigorous fact-checking processes, collaborate with experts in various fields, and cross-verify data from multiple independent sources to ensure the accuracy of the information we publish. If errors are discovered after publication, we promptly issue corrections and ensure that the truth is made clear to the public.

Our commitment extends beyond just correcting mistakes—we actively educate and engage with our audience to raise awareness about how to identify misinformation. By being transparent about our sources and methodologies, we aim to contribute to a better-informed society and foster a culture of responsible media consumption.

Yes, the Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) operates within the boundaries of Nepal’s legal framework, adhering to laws related to defamation, privacy rights, and access to information. We take great care to ensure that all our investigations comply with applicable national and international laws.

In particular, we are mindful of the defamation laws that protect individuals and entities from false or damaging statements. Our editorial and legal teams carefully review the content to ensure that any reporting does not infringe on an individual’s right to privacy or expose them to unjust legal consequences.

Moreover, NNIU respects the legal processes and regulations governing access to information in Nepal, including public record laws, and follows due process when obtaining documents or materials. This includes abiding by any restrictions set forth by the government or judicial authorities and ensuring that all sensitive information is handled appropriately.

In cases where the investigation touches upon sensitive matters that could potentially lead to legal repercussions, we consult with legal experts to assess the risks. If necessary, we comply with court orders and work within the framework of Nepal’s legal system to ensure that our investigative reporting does not conflict with any judicial proceedings or legal limitations.

Our aim is to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the legal protections afforded to individuals and organizations under Nepalese law. We also remain committed to transparency and ensuring that our work contributes positively to the democratic process while respecting the legal rights of all parties involved.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) operates as an independent and impartial entity, with no ties to the government or any political affiliations. Our primary commitment is to uphold journalistic integrity and provide accurate, unbiased reporting. While we maintain a professional relationship with law enforcement and government agencies to access public information and share relevant updates, our independence remains a cornerstone of our work.

In situations where collaboration with law enforcement or government agencies is necessary—such as in accessing public records, conducting interviews with officials, or verifying certain facts—we ensure that our involvement is strictly for the purpose of gathering factual, verifiable information for investigative purposes. We never allow any external influence, including government pressure or law enforcement interests, to dictate the direction or outcomes of our investigations.

We adhere to ethical standards and maintain transparency in all our interactions with government bodies. Should we receive sensitive or confidential information from law enforcement or government agencies, we rigorously verify and cross-check the details before publication to ensure accuracy and accountability. Furthermore, we are cautious about not jeopardizing any ongoing investigations or compromising the integrity of law enforcement operations.

Our relationship with law enforcement is based on the principle of information sharing that helps improve public awareness while ensuring that our investigative efforts do not conflict with legal frameworks or official proceedings. Ultimately, NNIU’s mission is to serve the public interest by providing thorough, well-researched investigative reports, regardless of any external affiliations.

At Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU), we prioritize stories based on several key factors to ensure that our investigative efforts have the maximum impact. The main criteria we consider include the level of public interest, the severity of the issue, available resources, and the potential for the story to effect meaningful social change.

We focus on issues that have widespread implications for society, the economy, or the environment, and that are of significant concern to the public. These may include matters of corruption, human rights abuses, environmental degradation, or violations of laws that affect the general population. The severity of the issue often drives the urgency of the investigation, particularly if it involves harm to vulnerable groups, or undermines democracy, public safety, or justice.

Our available resources also play a crucial role in determining which stories we can pursue. Investigative work can be resource-intensive, requiring access to experts, documentation, and time to gather evidence. We strategically allocate our resources to high-impact cases that align with our editorial goals and journalistic values.

Finally, we prioritize stories that have the potential to create significant social change. This includes uncovering injustices or exposing corrupt practices that, when made public, could prompt legal reforms, shifts in policy, or increased public awareness, ultimately improving conditions for individuals or communities. In essence, the NNIU seeks to investigate stories that matter most to the public, drive positive change, and maintain the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

No, Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) maintains strict editorial independence and operates free from any external influence. We are committed to upholding the principles of unbiased and objective reporting, ensuring that our investigations are driven solely by the pursuit of truth and public interest. NNIU rejects any pressure, whether political, corporate, or from any other external entity, that could compromise the integrity of our work. This independence is fundamental to our mission of providing credible, fact-based journalism that serves the public and holds power to account.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) follows a structured training system that develops journalists’ skills in investigative reporting through progressive levels of expertise. NNIU layered training system ensures that NNIU journalists at every stage have the skills and knowledge needed to produce rigorous, ethical, and impactful investigative reports.

1. Trainees: At the entry-level, trainees receive foundational training in investigative techniques, research methodologies, ethics, and legal considerations. They are introduced to essential tools like data analysis, secure communication, and fact-checking. Trainees often work closely under the guidance of senior reporters and editors.
2. Junior Journalists: After gaining some experience, junior journalists undergo more specialized training, focusing on the nuances of investigative journalism. This includes understanding complex issues such as public records analysis, sourcing confidential information, and understanding the legal implications of investigative reporting. They start handling smaller investigative stories with direct supervision.
3. Journalists: Mid-level journalists are given more responsibility and independence in their investigative work. They receive continued professional development through workshops and mentorship programs. At this stage, they are trained to handle larger, more complex investigations, such as working with confidential sources, collaborating with external entities, and navigating legal and ethical challenges.
4. Senior Journalists: Senior journalists lead investigations and mentor the younger team members. They possess in-depth knowledge of investigative methods and legal frameworks. Senior reporters are trained to manage multi-layered investigations, oversee the editorial process, and ensure that the investigations adhere to the highest journalistic standards. They also play a crucial role in guiding the editorial team and assisting junior journalists in navigating the intricacies of sensitive investigations.
5. Editors: Editors in NNIU, who are already experienced, take charge of overseeing investigations within their related areas. They provide expert direction on complex cases and ensure that all investigative content meets the highest standards of quality and integrity. These editors are responsible for finalizing investigative pieces, verifying all facts, ensuring ethical considerations are adhered to, and ensuring that the investigation aligns with the editorial policy. Their experience and leadership guide the entire investigative process, providing oversight and support to all levels of the reporting team.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) aims to create a significant impact on both the community and society as a whole through its in-depth investigative reporting. Our investigations have led to increased awareness about critical social issues such as corruption, human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and political accountability. By exposing wrongdoing, holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable, and shedding light on underreported issues, NNIU contributes to a more informed and engaged public.

Our work often sparks important public debates, influencing policy reforms and encouraging transparency across sectors. In many cases, our investigations have prompted changes in government practices, corporate accountability, and legal actions, fostering a sense of justice and social responsibility. By revealing hidden truths and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, NNIU empowers the public to demand better governance, social equity, and ethical practices from both the government and private sectors.

Ultimately, our investigative journalism seeks to drive long-term positive change, promoting integrity, fairness, and the protection of public interest. Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to contribute to a more transparent and just society where accountability is prioritized, and informed decision-making can thrive.

The Nepal News Investigative Unit (NNIU) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency in all aspects of its operations. We ensure transparency by thoroughly documenting and publishing our investigative findings, providing the public with clear and detailed reports that outline the research process, evidence, and sources used in each investigation. These reports are accessible to the public, ensuring that all investigative work is open for scrutiny and that we are accountable for the information we present.

We also emphasize clarity in our methodology, explaining how we gather and verify information, and ensuring that the public understands the scope and depth of our investigations. While we respect the confidentiality of sensitive sources and legal boundaries, we strive to be as transparent as possible regarding the investigative process, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

In addition, Nepal News adheres to strict editorial standards and an internal review process, which includes fact-checking and verification by multiple levels of experienced journalists and legal advisors. This helps safeguard the credibility of our work and ensures that the information published is accurate, thorough, and unbiased. By upholding these principles, the NNIU aims to foster trust with the public, promoting open, transparent, and accountable journalism that serves the greater good.