Bengaluru, Mar 4: Inspired by wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman's bravado, his haircut and the 'gunslinger' moustache, a hair-designer here Monday gave over 650 people a similar look free of cost.

The IAF pilot has become a legend of sorts after he shot down an F 16 aircraft in a dogfight and the manner in which he carried himself with dignity on being held captive after his MIG 21 Bison was downed.

Clippings of his calm demeanour while being questioned by his captors won the hearts of one and all.

"Considering the popularity of our proud soldier, we decided to give free 'Abhinandan Cut' to all for a day at my salon and spa," hair designer Nanesh Thakur of Nanesh Hair Salon & Spa told PTI Monday.

By offering the 'cut', I will be instilling patriotism among the youth, which will motivate them to choose a career in the defence services.

Overnight, the pilot became a 'cult figure' as he shot down an F-16 belonging to Pakistan.

In the course of the dogfight, his plane too was hit, but he ejected safely and was caught by the Pakistan authorities.

Videos shared by Pakistan of the 'big catch' showed Abhinandan bleeding, but he put up a brave front and refused to divulge any information to the Pakistan military.

As a "goodwill gesture", Pakistan released Abhinandan to de-escalate tension post-IAF's retaliatory attack targeting the terror camps in the neighbouring country.

India had carried out pre-emptive strikes to avenge the killing of 40 CRPF soldiers by a Jaish suicide-bomber at Pulwama in Kashmir on February 14.

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Mumbai (PTI): The Mumbai police have registered a case against a man for allegedly duping seven persons of Rs 91 lakhs on the promise of awarding them works of different government departments, an official said on Tuesday.

The accused was identified as Satish Kadam, a resident of Nanded in Marathwada region, an official said.

A complaint was filed by Hanumant Vadje, who alleged that the accused cheated him and six others of around Rs 91 lakh by promising to give them various works of Urban Development and Social Justice Department, he said.

The fraud occurred between 2024 and 2026, with Kadam collecting money in cash and into his accounts, police said, adding he had returned some amount to them partially.

Multiple cheques issued by the accused bounced, prompting the victim to lodge a complaint at the Marine Drive police station. Based on the complaint, a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust was registered against him.

The case is under further investigation, the official said.