KATHMANDU: The government on Wednesday formed a high-level commission to investigate the asset details of key political leaders and senior officials, appointing former Supreme Court justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari as its coordinator.
But who is Bhandari, now tasked with leading one of the most sensitive anti-corruption initiatives?
Bhandari is a seasoned figure in Nepal’s judiciary, with nearly four decades of experience in the legal field. He began his career as a ‘cadre-based’ judicial officer and gradually rose through the ranks to become a district judge.
Over the years, he built his career within the judicial system, eventually serving as a justice of the Supreme Court. His long tenure is marked by experience in handling complex legal and constitutional matters.
Known for his institutional background, Bhandari represents a generation of judges who advanced through the formal judicial service structure rather than political appointment.
The newly formed commission under his leadership has been mandated to collect, verify, and investigate the asset details of major political office bearers and high-ranking officials who held public office between fiscal years 2005/062 and 2025/26.
The panel also includes former justices Chandiraj Dhakal and Purushottam Parajuli, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and chartered accountant Prakash Lamsal.
With growing public concern over corruption and illicit wealth, the effectiveness and credibility of the commission will largely depend on the leadership of Bhandari and his team.
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