Fact Check: AI-Edited Image of MP Dr. Toshima Karki Falsely Claims Condom Distribution at RSP Convention

 

Kathmandu. Since Sunday afternoon, a photo of MP and Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Dr. Toshima Karki has been widely circulating on social media. The image falsely claims that she was distributing free condoms at a party convention venue, showing her holding a temporary contraceptive device.

Following the rapid spread of the seemingly unrelated and viral image, the TechPana Fact-Check Desk initiated an investigation. It was confirmed during the probe that the original photo had been digitally altered using AI tools, replacing the hand fan she was actually holding with a packet of condoms, thereby creating misleading content.

Claim

The Facebook page named Janata Television shared a picture of Dr. Karki on June 21, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. with the caption ‘Raswapa Convention in Chitwan: Dr. Toshima Karki distributing free condom 🥹’. Check out the Facebook post and its screenshot.

Investigation

When the image from the Janata Television Facebook post was checked using reverse image search and keyword-based verification, it was found that multiple users and pages had circulated the same image with similar misleading claims.

A Facebook user named Om Nath wrote alongside the photo: “Due to Rastriya Swatantra Party's general convention, when people from all over the country gathered in Chitwan, every business activity from hotels to markets increased. According to business owners, this has also led to a high increase in the demand for condoms. We see nothing to be embarrassed about here; openly accepting rather than hiding safe sexual health and reproductive awareness is a characteristic of an understanding society.” Check out the Facebook post and screenshot.

Similarly, a Facebook page named Kalika Khabar shared the image with the caption ‘Rastriya Swatantra Party Convention in Chitwan: Dr. Toshima Karki distributing free condoms. #watch Photos - Nepal Photo Library 👇’. Check out the Facebook post and screenshot.

A Facebook user named N.B. Chand also shared the same post using Kalika Khabar’s caption. A user named Hari Baniya wrote: ‘At the RASWAPA convention in Chitwan: Dr. Toshima Karki distributing free condoms.’ Check out the Facebook post and screenshot.

A Facebook user named Hari Baniya shared a photo with the caption: “At the Raswapa convention in Chitwan: Dr. Toshima Karki distributing free condoms.” Check out the Facebook post and screenshot.

The Facebook page Betana Dainik also circulated the same claim. Check out the screenshot.

Beyond Facebook, the image was also shared on Reddit. On the subreddit r/NepalSocial, a user named Ramos6025 posted it with the caption ‘Good initiative from RSP. #BlueRevolution’. Check out the screenshot.

Similarly, it was circulated via a Facebook page called Khabar Dotcom in the Facebook group Harka Sampang A Revolution. Check out the group post and the screenshot.

A Facebook user named Deepak Bikaram Deuja shared the image with the caption: ‘So, what’s new, friends 🤗 …’ Check out the post and screenshot.

The same image was also posted on the Facebook page Hamro Palpa Gauuu Dhading. Check out the post and screenshot.

Additionally, a user named Manish Purbe shared the image with a long caption questioning the purpose of the convention and criticizing political priorities, while referencing alleged condom distribution and raising concerns over political messaging. Check out the post and screenshot.

Similarly, a user named Himal shared the image on the ‘Nepal Communist Party UML Supporter’ Facebook page. Check out the post and screenshot.

When the viral image was analyzed using OpenAI’s research verification tool, it was found to have been created or altered using AI-based editing tools.

While tracing the origin of the image, most social media posts referenced the Nepal Photo Library. A search of the page revealed a similar original image dated June 21, 2026, at 2:47 p.m. The caption of the original image reads: ‘Health desks at three locations coordinated by Dr. Tosima Karki at the Raswapa general convention.’ In the original photo, the object in Dr. Karki’s hand appears to be a hand fan, not the condom seen in the viral version. A comparison of both images confirms the alteration.

Prakash Chandra Timilsena of Nepal Photo Library has expressed concern over the misuse of their official photographs. He stated,“These photos are the official images of Nepal Photo Library. Since they have been altered without authorization, posted on Facebook with misleading messages, and even credited to Nepal Photo Library, we request everyone to immediately remove all such posts. If such posts continue, legal action will be taken against the individuals or pages involved, and formal information will be shared with the Press Council Nepal and the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau.”

In this context, Dr. Toshima Karki was also contacted for clarification. She stated that the object in the original photo taken by Nepal Photo Library was a hand fan. “This is a matter of intention and mindset. That’s why we feel it’s necessary for a change in the moral character and thinking of society itself. There’s no need to make this a big issue by filing a complaint,” she told TechPana.

This confirms that the original image of Dr. Toshima Karki was digitally manipulated using AI tools and circulated with misleading claims.

Claim

At the general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Member of Parliament Dr. Toshima Karki is seen distributing free condoms.

Claimants

Facebook pages such as Janata Television, Kalika Khabar, Betana Dainik, Khabar Dot Com (via Harka Sampang A Revolution group), Hamro Palpa Gauuu Dhading, and users including Om Nath, N.B. Chand, Hari Baniya, Deepak Bikaram Deuja, Manish Purve, Himal (via CPN-UML supporter page), and Ramos6025 (r/NepalSocial on Reddit).

Fact

Verification using OpenAI’s research verification tool indicates that the image was edited using AI-based manipulation. Dr. Toshima Karki clarified that the object in her hand was originally a hand fan, not a condom. Photographers from Nepal Photo Library also confirmed that their official photograph was tampered with and misrepresented.

Conclusion

The viral image claiming that Dr. Toshima Karki distributed condoms at the RSP convention is misleading and false. The original photograph was digitally altered using AI tools and circulated to spread misinformation.

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