The defence ministry also cautioned against the fake accounts of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence, on Wednesday, warned against misinformation on the shooting of Pakistan Air Force F-16 by Indian Air Force's (IAF) MiG-21 Bison being circulated on various social media sites.

“Misinformation on the shooting of Pakistan Air Force F-16 by MiG-21 Bison are being spread on various social media sites. IAF during the press statement on 28 Feb 19 had clarified that one F-16 of Pakistan Air Force was shot by MiG-21 Bison and it fell across the LoC,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Earlier, some media reports rejected India’s claim of shooting down Pakistan’s F-16.

Meanwhile, the defence ministry also cautioned against the fake accounts of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, saying that the IAF pilot does not have any official social media account on Twitter and Instagram.

“Fake accounts of Wing Commander V Abhinandan have been created in the last one week. IAF has informed on 06 March 19 that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman does not have any official social media account on Twitter and Instagram and have advised all not to follow these accounts as they may contain malware,” an official statement of the ministry reads.

Earlier in the day, the India Air Force, also clarified that the Wing Commander does not have a social media account on any portal and advised people not to follow any fake accounts being used to spreading misinformation.

“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. Jai Hind!!!” IAF said in a tweet.

Recently, a youth from Uttar Pradesh was reportedly booked for allegedly creating a fake Twitter account of the pilot and posting tweets praising Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was held captive in Pakistan for nearly three days, came back to India on March 1.