New Delhi: Several ‘fake’ social media handles with the name of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman have been created to peddle Pakistan’s propaganda on the virtual world.

Senior government officials told MyNation that Indian Air Force (IAF)  fighter pilot Abhinandan does not have an account on any social media platform. But soon after his release, several fake social media accounts were created. It was observed that these handles were being misused to spread misinformation and fake news. 

These fake social media handles were also carrying his pictures and personal details in the bio. Some of the fake accounts also got thousands of followers within a few hours of creating them.

Also read: IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman carrying no 'spying' bug, but is injured

Even, IAF through its official Twitter handle had issued an advisory about such fake accounts. “Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman does not have a social media account on any portal (Facebook /Instagram /Twitter). Please avoid following any fake accounts being used in the name of any IAF Airwarrior for spreading misinformation,” IAF said in the tweet.

Since netizens have started to point out such fake accounts, many of them have been suspended.

A case was registered against an Azamgarh youth for widely circulating a post, which originated from one if such accounts with Varthaman’s name. A tweet praising Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan originated from this fake Twitter handle.
 
IAF pilot Varthaman crash landed in Pakistan after he shot down Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 jet from his MiG-21 fighter jet. He was captured by Pakistani army on February 27 after the crash. After his release, series of lies were peddled by the Pakistani army through its media.