#FactCheck: War Thunder Game Footage Falsely Shared as Video of IAF MiG-29 Crash
Executive Summary
A video is being shared on social media with the claim that an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet crashed while landing due to the pilot’s negligence. The claim further alleges that no casualties were reported in the incident and that the IAF is concealing the incident because it is losing fighter jets at a high rate. The video is being widely shared on social media.
CyberPeace Research found the claim to be false. Our Research revealed that the video is not footage of an actual IAF MiG-29 crash, but gameplay footage from the video game War Thunder, which is being shared with a false and misleading claim.
Claim:
An Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet crashed while landing, with pilot error being blamed for the incident. The post further claims that the IAF is trying to conceal the incident.
https://x.com/sheikh__khirad/status/2100447634599342114?s=20
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a Google search using relevant keywords. However, we did not find any credible media report supporting the claim. We also checked the official X account of the Indian Army, but found no post confirming the claim.
https://x.com/adgpi
As part of our further research, we conducted a reverse image search of keyframes from the video. During the search, we found a YouTube channel where similar visuals had been uploaded.
We found that the channel regularly posts gaming-related content. At the end of our research, we found the original version of the viral video on the YouTube channel. It was published on July 13, 2026. The video description also clearly states that the footage is gaming content and not a real-life incident.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dVu0eMztePo
Conclusion
Our research found that the video being shared with the claim that an IAF MiG-29 fighter jet crashed during landing does not depict a real incident. The video is actually gameplay footage from the video game War Thunder.Therefore, gaming footage is being falsely presented on social media as footage of an Indian Air Force MiG-29 crashing during landing. The incident shown in the video is not real.
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Executive Summary
A video is being widely circulated on social media by Pakistani users as propaganda against the Indian Army. In the video, a man can be seen being beaten by a group of women in the middle of a road. Based on the viral video, it is being claimed that in Phuket, Thailand, Lieutenant General Rajiv Kiran Sahni, DG EME of the Indian Army, was thrashed by "ladyboys" after he allegedly harassed them and refused to pay the full amount.
Research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the viral claim to be misleading and baseless. The viral video has no connection with Lieutenant General Rajiv Kiran Sahni (DG EME) of the Indian Army. According to credible media reports obtained during the research, this incident took place in Pattaya, Thailand, in December 2025, where a dispute over payment allegedly broke out between an Indian tourist named Raj Jasuja and some transgender women (ladyboys). Subsequently, the tourist was assaulted.
Claim:
A Pakistani website shared the viral video claiming that Indian Army Lieutenant General Rajiv Kiran Sahni (DG EME) was publicly thrashed in Phuket, Thailand, by ladyboys after he harassed them and refused to pay the full amount.
Meanwhile, on the social site X (formerly Twitter), a user shared the viral video and wrote, “Indian Army Lt Gen Rajiv Kiran Sahni, DG EME, thrashed by Thai ladyboys in Phuket after harassing them and refusing to pay full amount. They think they can bully and oppress people everywhere like Christians in Manipur, but Thailand showed them the reality.”
https://x.com/uthmanrumi2025/status/2061554209036898369
Fact Check:
To investigate the claim made with the viral video, we conducted a reverse search of the video's keyframes. During this process, we found a report by The Times of India. The report, published on January 4, 2026, stated that “According to 'The Thaiger', an Indian tourist was hospitalized in Pattaya, Thailand. It is alleged that a group of transgender women attacked him following a dispute over payment for escort services. The incident occurred on December 27, when rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation received a call around 5:30 AM regarding an injured foreign tourist near the beachside entrance of Walking Street. According to the rescue workers who found the victim, he was identified as 52-year-old Indian national Raj Jasuja. Injury marks were clearly visible on his face and the back of his head. He was given first aid before being taken to the hospital for further treatment. A 19-year-old Thai witness, Pongpol Boonchid, told police and rescue workers that the fight began when Raj was seen arguing with a transgender sex worker near the entry gate of Walking Street. The row escalated as both began chasing and hitting each other. According to the witness, the transgender woman then called several of her friends, who arrived and collectively attacked the Indian tourist. It is believed the fight started over money, as the tourist reportedly did not pay the full amount agreed upon for the services. Raj has not made any public statement regarding the incident.”
Furthermore, another report by The Indian Express, published on January 5, 2026, stated regarding the incident: “A group of transgender women allegedly beat up an Indian tourist in Pattaya, Thailand, according to a local media report. The dispute reportedly arose over non-payment of fees for sex services. In a viral video from December 27, three transgender women are seen hitting the 52-year-old man with slippers. The situation worsened when the man refused to pay the requested amount and tried to leave the spot in a car. The transgender women accused the man of not paying. Subsequently, he was allegedly kicked and punched, after which emergency responders intervened. According to a report by 'The Thaiger', the man suffered injuries to his face and the back of his head. He was given first aid on the spot and later taken to Pattamaku Hospital for further treatment. A Thai eyewitness told rescue workers that he saw the man arguing with a transgender sex worker near the entrance of the famous 'Walking Street' area. The witness stated that the argument turned into a physical altercation, with both parties reportedly chasing and hitting each other, after which others joined in, turning it into a group attack. According to the report, the witness further claimed the dispute occurred because the Indian tourist allegedly did not pay the full amount fixed for sexual services. Thai police said they would ask the man to file a formal complaint once he fully recovers.”
Conclusion:
Our research found the viral claim to be misleading and baseless. The viral video has no connection with Lieutenant General Rajiv Kiran Sahni (DG EME) of the Indian Army. According to credible media reports, the incident occurred in Pattaya, Thailand, where in December 2025, an Indian tourist named Raj Jasuja had a dispute over payment with some transgender women (ladyboys), leading to the assault.
Executive Summary
A video of Swatantra Bhardwaj is being shared on social media. Another man can also be seen with Bhardwaj in the video. Swatantra Bhardwaj came into the spotlight following an alleged assault involving the father of a protester during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar. Social media posts claim that the video was recorded immediately after his release from jail and shows him openly threatening people. CyberPeace Research Wing’s Research found the viral claim to be false. Our Research revealed that the video being shared on social media is old. Swatantra Bhardwaj was released from jail on September 17, while our Research found that the video has been available online since June. Therefore, the claim that the video was recorded immediately after Bhardwaj’s release from jail is misleading.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the viral video on September 17, 2026, with the caption: “The Indian judicial system has failed once again... Swatantra Bhardwaj has started again immediately after coming out, even though the court has imposed a condition that he will not make any statements to the media. But listen to what he is saying.” The post link, archive link, and screenshot are provided below.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1349048917301713
Fact Check
To verify the date of Swatantra Bhardwaj’s release from jail, we searched Google using relevant keywords. During the search, we found a report published by Aaj Tak on September 18, 2026. According to the report, social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who came into the spotlight following an alleged assault during a protest at Jantar Mantar, was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on September 17, 2026, after being granted bail by the court and completing the necessary legal formalities. Soon after walking out of the main gate of the jail, he ran towards a taxi and left without speaking to the media personnel present there. The post link and screenshot are provided below.
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we conducted a reverse image search of the keyframes from the video. During the search, we found the same video on a YouTube channel, where it was published on September 7, 2026. Meanwhile, the report mentioned above clearly states that Swatantra Bhardwaj was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on September 17, 2026. The report link and screenshot are provided below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3V0pwJbpwg
At the end of our Research, we found another version of the same video, which was uploaded by a person identified as Vaibhav Kumar on June 26, 2026. The post link and screenshot are provided below.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaBs7Q-T8xc/
Conclusion
Our Research found that the video being shared on social media is old. Swatantra Bhardwaj was released from jail on September 17, while our Research found that the video had already been available online since June. Therefore, the claim that the video was recorded immediately after Bhardwaj’s release from jail is misleading.
Introduction
In the age of advanced technology, Cyber threats continue to grow, and so are the cyber hubs. A new name has been added to the cyber hub, Purnia, a city in India, is now evolving as a new and alarming menace-biometric cloning and financial crimes. This emerging cyber threat involves replicating an individual’s biometric data, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to gain unauthorised access to their bank accounts and carry out fraudulent activities. In this blog, we will have a look at the methods employed, the impact on individuals and institutions, and the necessary steps to mitigate the risk.
The Backdrop
Purnia, a bustling city in the state of Bihar, India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, However, underneath its bright appearance comes a hidden danger—a rising cyber threat with the potential to devastate its citizens’ financial security. Purnia has seen the growth of a dangerous trend in recent years, such as biometric cloning for financial crimes, after several FIRs were registered with Kasba and Amaur police stations. The Police came into action and started an investigation.
Modus Operandi unveiled
The modus Operandi of cyber criminals includes hacking into databases, intercepting data during transactions, or even physically obtaining fingerprints of facial images from objects or surfaces. Let’s understand how they gathered all this data and why Bihar was not targeted.
These criminals are way smart they operate in the three states. They targeted and have open access to obtain registry and agreement paperwork from official websites, albeit it is not available online in Bihar. As a result, the scam was conducted in other states rather than Bihar; further, the fraudsters were involved in downloading the fingerprints, biometrics, and Aadhaar numbers of buyers and sellers from the property registration documents of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Telangana.
After Cloning fingerprints, the fraudster withdrew money after linking with Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) from various bank accounts. The fraudsters stamped the fingerprint on rubber trace paper and utilised a polymer stamp machine and heating at a specific temperature with a chemical to make duplicate fingerprints used in unlawful financial transactions from several consumers’ bank accounts.
Investigation Insight
After the breakthrough, the police teams recovered a large number of smartphones, ATM cards, rubber stamps of fingerprints, Aadhar numbers, scanners, Stamp machines, laptops, and chemicals, and along with this, 17 people were arrested.
During the investigation, it was found that the cybercriminals employ Sophisticated money laundering techniques to obscure the illicit origins of the stolen funds. The fraudsters transfer money into various /multiple accounts or use cryptocurrency. Using these tactics makes it more challenging for authorities to trace back money and get it back.
Impact of biometric Cloning scam
The Biometric scam has far-reaching implications both for society, Individuals, and institutions. These kinds of scams cause financial losses and create emotional breakdowns, including anger, anxiety, and a sense of violation. This also broke the trust in a digital system.
It also seriously impacts institutions. Biometric cloning frauds may potentially cause severe reputational harm to financial institutions and organisations. When clients fall prey to such frauds, it erodes faith in the institution’s security procedures, potentially leading to customer loss and a tarnished reputation. Institutions may suffer legal and regulatory consequences, and they must invest money in investigating the incident, paying victims, and improving their security systems to prevent similar instances.
Raising Awareness
Empowering Purnia Residents to Protect Themselves from Biometric Fraud: Purnia must provide its inhabitants with knowledge and techniques to protect their personal information as it deals with the increasing issue of biometric fraud. Individuals may defend themselves from falling prey to these frauds by increasing awareness about biometric fraud and encouraging recommended practices. This blog will discuss the necessity of increasing awareness and present practical recommendations to help Purnia prevent biometric fraud. Here are some tips that one can follow;
- Securing personal Biometric data: It is crucial to safeguard personal biometric data. Individuals should be urged to secure their fingerprints, face scans, and other biometric information in the same way that they protect their passwords or PINs. It is critical to ensure that biometric data is safely maintained and shared with only trustworthy organisations with strong security procedures in place.
- Verifying Service providers: Residents should be vigilant while submitting biometric data to service providers, particularly those providing financial services. Before disclosing any sensitive information, it is important to undertake due diligence and establish the validity and reliability of the organisation. Checking for relevant certificates, reading reviews, and getting recommendations can assist people in making educated judgments and avoiding unscrupulous companies.
- Personal Cybersecurity: Individuals should implement robust cybersecurity practices to reduce the danger of biometric fraud. This includes using difficult and unique passwords, activating two-factor authentication, upgrading software and programs on a regular basis, and being wary of phishing efforts. Individuals should also refrain from providing personal information or biometric data via unprotected networks or through untrustworthy sources.
- Educating the Elderly and Vulnerable Groups: Special attention should be given to educating the elderly and other vulnerable groups who may be more prone to scams. Awareness campaigns may be modified to their individual requirements, emphasising the significance of digital identities, recognising possible risks, and seeking help from reliable sources when in doubt. Empowering these populations with knowledge can help keep them safe from biometric fraud.
Measures to Stay Ahead
As biometric fraud is a growing concern, staying a step ahead is essential. By following these simple steps, one can safeguard themselves.
- Multi-factor Authentication: MFA is one of the best methods for security. MFA creates multi-layer security or extra-layer security against unauthorised access. MFA incorporates a biometric scan and a password.
- Biometric Encryption: Biometric encryption securely stores and transmits biometric data. Rather than keeping raw biometric data, encryption methods transform it into mathematical templates that cannot be reverse-engineered. These templates are utilised for authentication, guaranteeing that the original biometric information is not compromised even if the encrypted data is.
- AI and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML technologies are critical in detecting and combating biometric fraud. These systems can analyse massive volumes of data in real-time, discover trends, and detect abnormalities. Biometric systems may continually adapt and enhance accuracy by employing AI and ML algorithms, boosting their capacity to distinguish between legitimate users and fraudulent efforts.
Conclusion
The Biometric fraud call needs immediate attention to protect the bankers from the potential consequences. By creating awareness, we can save ourselves; additionally, by working together, we can create a safer digital environment. The use of biometric verification was inculcated to increase factor authentication for a banker. However, we see that the bad actors have already started to bypass the tech and even wreak havoc upon the netizens by draining their accounts of their hard-earned money. The banks and the cyber cells nationwide need to work together in synergy to increase awareness and safety mechanisms to prevent such cyber crimes and create effective and efficient redressal mechanisms for the citizens.
