The Rise of the TOB Acronym and Its Controversial Implications
Since Saturday, a mysterious acronym has sparked intense discussions across Nepal’s social media platforms: “TOB.” This term first gained attention when photos and videos surfaced showing young men wearing black T-shirts with the letters “TOB” emblazoned on the back during last month’s Gen Z protests. The emergence of this acronym has led to a surge in speculation about its meaning, its connection to the protests, and the identity of those involved.
Various interpretations have flooded social media, ranging from “Tibetan Original Bloodline” and “Tibetan Original Blood” to “The Balen Team.” However, what began as curiosity quickly escalated into a wave of misinformation, racialized narratives, and hate speech. Some anonymous social media handles even issued death threats against Tibetans in Nepal.
The controversy took off after a Facebook page called HTP Khabar shared a video by journalist Diwakar Sah on Saturday morning. In the video, Sah mentioned people wearing T-shirts with the letters “TOB,” expressing fear for his safety if he revealed more. Soon after, social media users started analyzing footage from the uprising, uncovering clips and photos of young men on motorcycles wearing T-shirts and jackets with “T.O.B.”
The Most Popular Narrative and Its Consequences
Among the many interpretations, the most popular narrative is that TOB stands for “Tibetan Original Bloodline,” suggesting that members of the Tibetan refugee community were behind the protests. This claim has led to widespread accusations against the Tibetan community, with some users calling for attacks, expulsions, or even the killing of Nepalis of Tibetan origin.
But what connections, if any, do the youths wearing TOB T-shirts have with Tibet?
Surendra Gurung, known as Hakim, a rapper, artist, and adviser to the group photographed during the uprising, clarified that TOB has no links to the Free Tibet movement, external forces, or acts of vandalism. He described the allegations as wrong and harmful.
Gurung explained that TOB stands for “The Original Brothers,” not “Tibetan Original Blood/Bloodline” as widely claimed. Their Instagram account, titled “T.O.B._Blood,” describes them as “The Original Brothers – Our blood, our war, our legacy.” The account lists TOB as a social club with over 1,200 followers.
Understanding the TOB Group
Gurung clarified that TOB is essentially a motorcycle collective composed mostly of young men from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including a few whose ancestors are of Tibetan origin. Videos and photographs circulating since Saturday show TOB members participating in the September 8 Gen Z-led protests, riding Royal Enfield motorcycles, addressing crowds, and wearing distinctive group T-shirts.
Two main designs have been identified. The first, worn by most members, is a black T-shirt with the letters “TOB” printed vertically in bold white letters across the center, flanked by dragon-like patterns on both sides. They also bear the name “Hakim” or letter “H,” an homage to Gurung, who is popular in Nepal’s hip-hop community.
The second design, more controversial, is a black T-shirt with yellow dragon motifs and the words “Tibetan Original Blood” printed across it. The individual wearing that version has been identified as Tenzin Dawa, TOB’s leader, whose videos and photos have gone viral.
Gurung recounted that he first met the young bikers, mostly from Bauddha, about two years ago. The group included members from various communities, including Bhote, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Tibetan, Bahun, and Chhetri. At the time, they called themselves “Tibetan Original Blood.”
Fearing controversy, Gurung advised the group to rename itself. They then became “The Original Brothers” (TOB), also called TOB Blood.
Misunderstandings and Misinterpretations
According to Gurung, the claims that some TOB members, including Dawa, wore their old T-shirts printed with “Tibetan Original Blood” during the protest are true, but he insists the context has been misunderstood and distorted.
Gurung said the phrase was never meant as a political slogan. Instead, it represents a personal homage by members whose ancestors were of Tibetan origin, symbolizing pride in their heritage and lineage, not affiliation with the Free Tibet movement.
“The group has no connection whatsoever to any political or separatist movement,” Gurung said. “Just like how Newar or Khas Arya communities in Nepal honor their origins and culture, some of our members sometimes wear T-shirts that reflect their ancestral roots.”
Beyond Motorcycles: Social Work and Music
TOB’s activities go beyond riding motorcycles. They have participated in social work and even worked in music videos with Gurung. Many of the roughly 40 members are students in schools and colleges and share an interest in rap and hip-hop culture, says Gurung.
According to Gurung, the mostly Gen Z members of TOB joined the September 8 protest after seeing youth-led calls, motivated, like thousands of other young Nepalis, by frustration over corruption and political dysfunction. “They went there because they believed in the cause,” Gurung said.
In a video shared on the group’s Instagram, TOB member Biraj Khadka also said they joined the protest after being called to help by their “Gen Z brothers and sisters.”
The Viral Gun Image Controversy
Meanwhile, another image featuring Dawa has been making the rounds on social media since Sunday. This time, one showing him holding what appears to be a gun. The photograph has reignited speculations, with many claiming it proves that TOB members were armed, instigated violence, and were part of the Free Tibet movement.
Others have questioned the authenticity of the image, suggesting it might be fabricated.
Gurung said that the picture is real but has been misrepresented. The image was taken months before the protests, on April 5, 2025, as part of a TikTok video shot by Dawa for a music video concept. Gurung claims that the gun seen in the image was plastic, not real, and had been used as a prop.
The Post has obtained the video from which the currently circulating photo was screenshotted. Its metadata also shows the video was shot in April.
Addressing the Claims
Gurung said that after the image resurfaced and began spreading, Dawa and other TOB members voluntarily went to the Police on Sunday to explain the situation.
Kathmandu Police Chief SSP Ramesh Thapa told Kantipur, the Post’s sister publication, that an investigation into the case is underway.
According to the police source, Dawa himself contacted the police. Dawa initially went to the Valley Crime Investigation Office, acknowledging that he was the person seen in the video.
“All in all, yes, some members wore T-shirts with ‘Tibetan Original Blood,’ but that doesn’t mean we’re part of any Free Tibet movement,” Gurung said. “These boys were there like any other Gen Z protesters, raising their voices against corruption. They joined the protest seeking change, nothing more, nothing less. Some have Tibetan ancestry, but they are as Nepali as anyone.”