Surprise for many as Abhinandan receives ‘Vir Chakra’ from the Indian government

In a Defence Investiture Ceremony, Abhinandan Varthaman has been awarded the Vir Chakra award by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday (today).

Indian government and media termed Abhinandan as a war hero for shooting down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet, the reason for his Vir Chakra award.

But it is quite contrary to what the world witnessed. Abhinandan was arrested by Pakistan Army on February 27 2019.

Pakistan Army shot down MiG 21 Bison aircraft which was being flown by then Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan.

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The videos of Abhinandan went viral on social media. Later Pakistan released and handed over Abhinandan to India on March 1 2021 as a peace gesture.

Update

Pakistan has rebuffed the Indian claims of shooting down any Pakistani F-16 jet.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) statement read, “Classic case of Indian fabrications and pure fantasy to appease the domestic audience and hide embarrassment.”

The statement further read, “By giving such an award, also as an afterthought, India has only made a mockery of itself.”