Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman transferred amid security concerns

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has transferred Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman out of the Srinagar airbase where he was posted amid concerns over his security in the Kashmir Valley, ANI reported.

The IAF officer has been posted to an important airbase in the Western sector, the news agency said.

Indian Air Force transfers Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman out of the Srinagar airbase amid concerns over his security in Kashmir valley. Officer posted to an important airbase in the Western sector. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/RWnlPfR4jV

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019

35-year-old Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during an aerial combat. He downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan before his plane was hit forcing him to eject.

In a “goodwill gesture”, Varthaman was released by Pakistan and came back to India on March 1.

Earlier this week, Wing Commander Varthaman underwent medical tests at a Delhi-based facility for becoming eligible to fly the MiG-21s again.

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