Fact Check: Viral Photo, Video Claiming UML Leader Pradeep Gyawali Was Crying Created by AI
पुस २, २०८२ १३:३५
Kathmandu: Since Monday, photos and videos claiming that CPN-UML leader Pradeep Gyawali returned crying have gone viral on several social media platforms. On Monday, a report published by OnlineKhabar claimed that Gyawali left the closed session hall at Bhrikutimandap and later returned crying due to emotional distress during the nomination process. Soon after, photos and videos showing Gyawali crying spread rapidly on social media, especially on Facebook.
However, an investigation by the TechPana Fact Check Desk confirms that the viral photo and video were created or manipulated using artificial intelligence tools.
Claim
A Facebook page named Jokes Nepal posted a photo on December 15, 2025 (Monday). The post reads, “I don’t know if it’s AI or real. But if we look at human nature, a person who can’t resist cries. Tears don’t come for the country, for the party, for parents, for children, for husband or wife, without reason, no matter who they are. Tears are an expression of extreme pain.” (Translated)
The photo shows UML leader Pradeep Gyawali crying. See original post, archive post, and screenshot.
Similarly, a Facebook page called Everest Dainik posted a video on December 16, 2025 (Tuesday). The caption reads, “Pradeep Gyawali went home crying like this after KP Oli did not make him the candidate for the post of general secretary. The same Gyawali is busy asking for votes in Oli’s favor again today.” (Translated)
Gyawali is seen crying in the video. See original post, and archive post.
Research
The claim that Gyawali was crying was first published on 15 December, 2025 at 5:22 PM under the headline “Pradeep Gyawali returned from Bhrikutimandap crying, candidacy only for central member.” (Translated) See archive link. Soon after this report, a photo and video appearing to show Gyawali crying began circulating widely on Facebook and X.
The TechPana Fact Check Desk found that multiple Facebook and X users shared the same photo. A Facebook user named Surya Tamang posted the image at 9 PM on Monday and wrote, “Comrade Pradeep Gyawali leaving the general convention venue crying after KP Oli did not appoint him as the general secretary. (Note: I do not know if the photo is real or AI.)” (Translated) See original post, archive post, and screenshot.
Later that night, Hemant Bajgain posted the same photo at 10:19 PM and wrote, “Leader or actor? I recommend him for the Oscar award @PradeepgyawaliK Sir.” (Translated) See original post, archive post, and screenshot.
Similarly, a Facebook user named Samir Giri wrote, “Yesterday, when Bhim Rawal was sidelined, he was among those who applauded. Today, the day has come for him to cry. Those who applauded today will also face the same situation tomorrow.” (Translated) See original post, archive post, and screenshot.
A Facebook page named Nepal Voice also posted the same video. See original post, archive post, and screenshot.
A Google reverse image search of the viral photo led to the original image published in a news article by Nepal Presstitled “Pradeep Gyawali, proposed for the post of Vice President, only filed his candidacy for the position of central member.” (Translated) In the original photo, Gyawali is not crying. Most visual elements in the viral image match the original Nepal Press photo. The viral version even carries a Nepal Press watermark, which appears to have been digitally tampered with.
To further verify, the image was analyzed using an AI detection tool called Fake Image Detector. The tool indicated that the image may have been created or modified using AI.
The image was also tested using Google SynthID Detector.
The tool showed that the photo was either created by AI or edited using AI-based tools.
In the viral video, Gyawali is seen crying in front of the media. Keyframes were extracted from the video and subjected to reverse image searches. This led to the original footage recorded on November 19, 2025. The original video shows Gyawali and other UML leaders leaving the Prime Minister’s Office after a meeting. At that time, Gyawali spoke normally to journalists and showed no emotional distress. After the viral claim surfaced on Monday, the old video appears to have been manipulated using AI. AI detection tools showed a high likelihood that the keyframe showing Gyawali crying was created or altered using AI.
The video also carries a watermark of the video editing application InShot. Using the AI tools available within the app, Gyawali was digitally shown crying in the manipulated video.
Claim
UML leader Pradeep Gyawali returned from the closed session hall at Bhrikutimandap crying in frustration after failing to secure candidacy for the post of general secretary.
Claimants
Jokes Nepal, Everest Dainik, Surya Tamang, Hemant Bajgain, Samir Giri, Nepal Voice, and other social media users and pages.
Fact
The original version of the viral photo was found in a news article published by Nepal Press. Gyawali is not crying in the original image. The Nepal Press watermark in the viral photo appears to have been digitally altered. AI detection tools such as Fake Image Detector and Google’s SynthID Detector indicate that the image was created or modified using AI.
The viral video is based on an old clip recorded on November 19, 2025, when Gyawali was leaving the Prime Minister’s Office and speaking normally with journalists. The video was edited using the InShot app’s AI tools to falsely show him crying.
Conclusion
The photos and videos circulating on social media that claim to show UML leader Pradeep Gyawali crying are not authentic. They are misleading content created using AI and video editing tools.
Feedback
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