Fake Air Force Pilot’s Bizarre Claims Go Viral: Coma, Heart Transplant, and a Plastic Leg

A man masquerading as an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot has been caught spinning an outrageous tale that has left social media users in disbelief. Identified as Ashish Vardhaman, the imposter made an array of bizarre claims, including surviving 11 gunshots, undergoing a heart transplant, waking up from a four-year coma, and even rescuing over 34,000 Indian students from Ukraine. The viral video has since drawn sharp criticism from Air Force veterans, who have called for its removal from social media.

The Man and His Outlandish Story

The viral footage, captured on a train by Delhi-based writer Kirti Kale, shows Vardhaman confidently introducing himself as a “Wing Commander” of the IAF and a fighter jet pilot. He boldly claimed that there are only seven Wing Commanders in the country, and he ranks second among them. According to him, he joined the Air Force in 1994 and has been serving for 30 years.

Vardhaman then claimed to have just returned from the “Ganga operation” in Ukraine, during which he allegedly evacuated 34,200 Indian students and brought them safely back home. When prompted by Kale, he further elaborated on his survival from multiple gunshot wounds, stating that as part of military training, he was taught to remove bullets from his own body within an hour to prevent poisoning.

Watch the video below:

कोई साहब की टक्कर का बंदा मिला है 😸 pic.twitter.com/tMlwRRP0Oj

— HELL WALA (@hellwala) February 17, 2025

More Absurd Claims

The imposter’s story grew even more ludicrous when he said he was in a coma for four years due to his injuries and had only regained consciousness two months ago. He insisted that he was now on his way to meet his family for the first time since waking up. Kale, who had been engaging him in conversation, added that he was treated in Ukraine, to which Vardhaman quickly corrected her, saying it was actually Romania.

He also alleged that the Russian embassy bore the cost of his treatment, which included a heart transplant. To add to the incredulity, Vardhaman claimed to have a “plastic leg” after an amputation.

The Ultimate Claim: A Param Vir Chakra Award?

Crowning his series of fabrications, Vardhaman declared that he would soon be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry honor, by President Droupadi Murmu. This claim, along with his other wild assertions, has only fueled skepticism and outrage among defense personnel and the public alike.

Air Force Veterans Call Him Out

Following the viral circulation of the video, several retired Air Force officers and defense experts have condemned Vardhaman’s fraudulent claims. Many have called him an “imposter” and demanded that platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) take down the misleading content.

While impersonating military personnel is a punishable offense under Indian law, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding any action against Vardhaman as of now.

Social Media Reaction

Social media users have been divided over the video. While some found the absurdity of Vardhaman’s claims amusing, others were angered by the blatant misrepresentation of the Indian Air Force. Many users have demanded strict action against him for impersonating a defense officer and misleading the public.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the growing trend of misinformation and the ease with which individuals can fabricate and disseminate false narratives. While this particular case may seem like an exaggerated work of fiction, it underscores the need for vigilance and fact-checking in an era of viral content. Whether authorities will take action against Vardhaman remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the internet never forgets, and his fictional Air Force career has been permanently archived in the annals of social media infamy.

Follow India Prime Times for more news and analysis on the latest happenings across the nation.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times