Indian illustrator Anand RK and journalist Suparna Sharma have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their investigative project “trAPPed”, which they created with Bloomberg journalist Natalie Obiko Pearson.
The winners were announced on Monday by the Pulitzer Prize Board at Columbia University.
Published by Bloomberg, “trAPPed” focused on the case of a neurologist in India who became a victim of cybercriminals through what has been described as a “digital arrest.”
The project used illustrations along with investigative reporting to highlight the growing issue of online fraud, surveillance and digital manipulation in South Asia.
The Pulitzer Board praised the project for clearly explaining the complex issue of cybercrime through a unique storytelling format and for its public service value.
Mumbai-based Anand RK is known for graphic novels like Blue in Green and Grafity’s Wall, and he created the visuals for the project.
Delhi-based freelance journalist Suparna Sharma handled the reporting along with Natalie Obiko Pearson, Bloomberg’s senior investigative reporter for Asia and former India correspondent.
The report gained attention for showing how cyber fraud networks mentally manipulate victims using fear, surveillance and digital threats.
Another Indian journalist, Aniruddha Ghosal, was also recognised at the Pulitzer Prizes in the International Reporting category for an investigation into the secret use of mass-surveillance technology by the US Border Patrol and other governments.
The Pulitzer Prize is considered one of the biggest honours in journalism and recognises outstanding reporting, photography and storytelling from around the world. This year’s awards also came at a time when global discussions on press freedom and surveillance are increasing.