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Abhinandan Varthaman: Fast Facts You Need to Know About This Brave Indian Air Force Wing Commander

Abhinandan Varthaman-Indian Air Force Wing Commander

February 28th, 2019   |   Updated on July 20th, 2022

Abhinandan Varthaman, an Indian Air Force Wing Commander , has been captured by the military in Pakistan after his aircraft crashed on February 27. Abhinandan went ‘missing in action’ on Wednesday morning. Actually, Varthaman was captured after his MiG-21 Bison jet crashed on Pakistani land.

In an alleged video doing the rounds on the internet, the pilot is seen bleeding from his forehead, his eyes covered by a cloth.

Abhinandan Varthaman-Indian Air Force Wing Commander

In a video released shortly after his capture, Varthaman says,

“My name is Wing Commander Abhinandan and my service number is 27981. I am a flying pilot and my religion is Hindu.” Varthaman then says, “I’m sorry sir… That’s all I’m supposed to tell you.”

When asked, “I hope you have been treated well with us,” by an off-screen person. The captured pilot responds, “Yes I have” and adds that he “will not change my story if I go back to my country.” Varthaman is not wearing restraints and is sipping a cup of tea in the video. He even goes as far as to compliment the tea as “fantastic.” He has minor injuries on his face, cuts and bruises. It’s not clear how he got those injuries.

Abhinandan Varthaman-Indian Air Force Wing Commander_

“The Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts,” said Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, in his media briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

Indian Politicians & Celebrities Are Passionately Pleading for Varthaman’s Safe Return:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: livemint, India Today