New Delhi: A news agency on Tuesday informed that Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian Air Force Wing Commander who was captured by Pakistan on February 27 and released on March 1, has returned to his squadron in Srinagar. Abhinandan was on a four-week sick leave.
Abhinandan was advised to go on sick leave on March 14 after his debriefing and treatment at the Research and Referral Hospital, New Delhi. However, the brave heart chose to stay with his squadron in Srinagar instead of spending time with his family. However, the sources have added that after the termination of his four-week sick leave, the medical board will review his fitness. This will assess whether Abhinandan can return to fighter cockpit or not.
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On February 26, India carried out successful airstrike and bombed JeM biggest training camp near Balakot inside Pakistani territory. However, Pakistan retaliated the very next day by targeting Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. It was during this dog fight that our MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down and the valiant IAF pilot was captivated by Pakistan Army. There he was manhandled by a crowd. Soon the video in which he was being brutally beaten, streamed on social media. Following this, entire country, including politicians, ex-servicemen, celebrities the prayed for Varthaman safe return.
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Amidst international pressure, the wing commander was returned to his native land by Pakistan army.