Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman at an IAF medical facility on March 2, 2019. Photo: Special Arrangement
Wing Commander Varthaman underwent a series of medical tests as part of a “cooling down” process.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night is doing well at Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) hospital in the national capital, defence officials said on Saturday.
“Medical examination as well as debriefing by several agencies is going on,” a defence source said. Stating that it is procedural and likely to go on for few days, the source added that clarity on future course of action will emerge in the next few days.
During the day, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wg Cdr Varthaman in the hospital along with his family members.
“Defence Minister meets the Air Warrior Abhinandan Varthaman at his hospital room in Delhi to convey the sentiment of the Nation. Appreciates his impeccable combat skills as well as calmness in adversity. Interacts with the family and the hospital staff too,” Defence Ministry Spokesperson said in a tweet.
Wg Cdr Varthaman landed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir as his jet was hit in a dogfight with Pakistan Air Force jets during which he shot one F-16. Initially he was apprehended and trashed by a mob and was rescued by Pakistan Army soldiers. Two days later he was released by Pakistan as a “peace gesture” and handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah-Attari border crossing.
As soon as he crossed over into India, Indian Air Force (IAF) took him by road to Amritsar and an IAF plane brought him to Delhi around mid-night.
Meanwhile, heavy exchange of fire continued all night and in the morning between armies of India and Pakistan along the LoC and was interrupted only by heavy rain
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