IAF pilot Abhinandan wants to return to cockpit at the earliest
New Delhi : Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who became the face of the tense military confrontation between India and Pakistan, conveyed to the IAF brass that he wants to return to the cockpit as soon as possible, officials said Sunday.
For the last two days, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot has been undergoing medical treatment at a military hospital here.
Varthaman told senior IAF commanders and doctors treating him that he wants to start flying at the earliest, the officials told PTI.
On Wednesday, he became the first IAF pilot to shoot down an F-16 fighter jet during an aerial combat with the Pakistani Air Force. Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani Army after his MiG-21 Bison jet was hit in a fierce dogfight.
He returned to India to a hero's welcome on Friday night.
His health condition is being monitored by a group of doctors at the Army's Research and Referral hospital, the officials said.
"The efforts have been to ensure that he returns to the cockpit soon," said a military official. The officials said Varthaman has been in high spirits despite the harassment he suffered in Pakistan.
Varthaman arrived in the national capital on an IAF flight around 11:45 PM Friday, nearly two-and-half hours after he crossed over to India through the Attari-Wagah border.
The IAF pilot was first taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services.
Later he was brought to the Army's Research and Referral hospital.
After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in handling the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and people in general.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa met Varthaman separately on Saturday during which he apprised them about the mental trauma he was subjected to during his captivity in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the defence minister commended him on his valour and expressed the nation's gratitude for his selfless service.
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Yadagiri court dismisses self-styled godman Mallikarjun Mutya bail plea in POCSO case
Yadagiri: The District Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by Mallikarjun Muthya of Mahal Roja in Shahapur taluk.
Muthya, a self-styled godman is facing charges in a POCSO case lodged at Gogi Police Station, for alleged inappropriate behavior with a minor girl.
A video of the incident allegedly went viral over social media prompting the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to register a suo motu complaint against him.
Muthya had filed anticipatory bail plea in the district court.
The District Sessions Court Judge Marula Siddharadhya, who heard the plea on Monday, rejected it.
According to reports, the godman is likely to approach the high court on Tuesday seeking a bail.
Mutya, who is believed to be around 26–27 years old, has gained popularity in recent years through social media platforms, on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
He is widely known as “Appaji” among his followers. According to local reports, he is revered by many devotees in North Karnataka and surrounding districts, who regard him as a “walking god” or a local deity.
He has become widely known over the past four years due to his active presence on social media and has drawn attention for his sometimes controversial “miracles.”
