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A video circulating on social media has sparked widespread speculation, with users claiming that it shows ghostly figures bathing at the 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh. The footage, which appears to be taken from a helicopter, depicts orange-colored figures moving in water. Many posts suggest that these figures are supernatural entities. However, after a thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that this claim is false.
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Origin of the Video: Brazil, Not India
The viral footage is not from Prayagraj, India, but from the state of Paraná in Brazil. The video was captured using thermal imaging technology by the Military Police Air Operations Battalion (BPMOA) and the Paraná Military Police (PMPR). These figures, appearing orange in color, are in fact human beings detected using thermal cameras, not ghosts. There is no connection between this footage and the ongoing 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh.
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Verification of the Video
A reverse image search using key frames of the viral video was done to verify the authenticity of the claim. The search revealed the original footage on the Instagram handle bpmoa.pmpr on January 19, 2025. The translated caption from Portuguese to English reveals that the Falco Project aircraft took the footage using advanced technology at night.
The caption goes on to explain that it is part of an awareness campaign against nighttime swimming for tourists. It further explained about how this has resulted in poor visibility and powerful currents that have an adage: don’t swim while drinking. It also stressed individual safety, giving the idea that while the Paraná Military Police and the Military Fire Department are always on the alert, personal accountability remains a priority.
Confirmation from Official Sources
The Instagram account where the video was shared describes itself as the official handle of BPMOA/PMPR (Military Police Air Operations Battalion / Military Police of Paraná). The bio states that this is its objective, excellent air support always and wherever needed. This, however, does appear to be an official profile and has yet to be independently verified.
Moreover, another similar video from the same Instagram handle portrayed police officers patrolling the Verão Maior Paraná events in Paraná, Brazil. This video surveillance footage also bore the same characteristics as that of the now-viral video, with orange-colored human figures appearing on the helicopter’s thermal imaging screen.
Understanding Thermal Imaging Technology
The process for identifying the subjects of the viral video through a Google keyword search is based on the definition of the technique used in the footage: thermographic inspection. Thermal cameras incorporated into helicopters would be useful in monitoring the ground and conducting search-rescue operations in times of emergencies.
Infrared cameras: Thermal imaging cameras are cameras that take the infrared radiation emitted from the human body and produce an image from it. The technology allows police officers to locate someone even in darkest night or in total obscurity.
The Brazilian police have already documented cases of aerial surveillance as well as emergency rescue with thermal cameras on board helicopters. This is one source of evidence that validates this technology as a medium within which public safety and fast management to an emergency as response can be taken.
Awaiting Official Response
In an effort to obtain more details, BPMOA (Military Police Air Operations Battalion) has been contacted for an official statement. This article will be updated once a response is received.
