Journalist receives death threats after exposing corruption
KATHMANDU/August 12: Subhak Mahato, a journalist at Nepal Ground Zero, revealed that he has received numerous threats in the past, but the most recent threat, delivered via a call from an American number, was particularly alarming. At 11 a.m. on August 10 (Saturday), he received a call from an American number asking that he stop writing. Then, on Sunday, he received another WhatsApp call from the same number, but this time the caller went beyond obscenity.
The caller, who used vulgar language and issued death threats against Mahato and his family, has pushed the intimidation to an unprecedented level. The threat comes amidst Mahato’s investigation, which he claims implicates the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in the embezzlement of over NRs 18 billion.
“He sounded drunk, used the filthiest words he could remember, and threatened to kill me and my family members. He abused me in Nepali, English, Maithili, and Hindi, which I have recorded and submitted to the police for investigation,” he narrated.
“I was well prepared for the threats and interference in my work, and I have already received several of them,” Mahato told Media Action Nepal. “However, this time I received a threat from an American number who crossed the line of vulgarity and threatened to kill my entire family.”
He also stated that the investigation indicates the involvement of CAAN’s Director General. “Authentic documents obtained during the investigation and my reporting indicate that more than NRs 18 billion were embezzled, and nothing moves in the CAAN without corruption. It is clear from my roughly a dozen reports,” he added.
“The caller also behaved discriminatorily, questioning my nationality and referring to me as an Indian and an Indian agent. I am looking for legal treatment. The police have expressed solidarity and asked if I needed any security.” He has registered with Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari. The number he received the call from is +1 (678) 523-6569. According to https://www.mightycall.com/ +1 (678) is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code for the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area.
Meantime, Mahato disclosed to Media Action Nepal that he has faced numerous threats in the past, many of which originated from individuals connected to the CAAN. Despite being repeatedly pressured not to write on Pokhara International Airport, Mahato continued his investigation.
Mahato has been constantly following his lead over a year and a half, reporting the corruption in the construction of various airports in Nepal. However, his work piqued the interest of people involved in the airport, including high officials and VIPs, according to Mahato.
Media Action Nepal denounces such atrocities and crackdown on press freedom and demands the thorough probe conducted ensuring the safety of journalist Mahato and respecting independent media.
Featured Photo : Journalist Mahato at Pokhara International Airport during his reporting.