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Unconfirmed Reports Claim Indian Rafale Pilot Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh Captured in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
Disclaimer: The following information is based on unverified reports and has not been officially confirmed by Indian or Pakistani authorities.
UPDATE: As tensions continue to rise between New Delhi and Islamabad, India is contending not only with cross-border hostilities involving drones, missile strikes, and artillery fire from Pakistan, but also with a surge of misinformation spreading across social media platforms.
On Saturday, a widely circulated false claim alleged that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first female Rafale fighter pilot, had been captured by Pakistani forces. The rumor, accompanied by a viral video and image, falsely suggested that Singh had been apprehended near Sialkot following the downing of her aircraft during heightened military confrontations.
However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) promptly issued a statement refuting the claim, confirming that the reports were entirely baseless and part of an online misinformation campaign.
Reports circulating on social media and some regional platforms suggest that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force’s first female Rafale fighter pilot, has allegedly been captured in Kotli, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remain unclear, and no official statements have been issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) or the Government of India as of now.
Latest Footage allegedly shows Pakistani security forces rushing toward an ejected Indian pilot to take her into custody. It is still unconfirmed either.
Shivangi Singh, 29, holds the distinction of being the first and only woman in India assigned to fly the French-made Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, a symbol of Indiaโs growing air power.
She joined the IAF in 2017 and was inducted into the fighter stream in 2018, two years after the Indian military first began allowing women in combat flying roles.
In a past interview with AFP, Singh reflected on her journey, recalling her childhood fascination with aviation during a visit to the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi: “This is where my adventure began. I knew immediately that I wanted to become a pilot.” Her progression into the elite Rafale squadron marked a significant milestone not only in her career but also in the modernization and gender inclusivity of the Indian armed forces.
Married to a fellow fighter pilot, Singh has often spoken about breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of women in defense services.
She is seen as a prominent face of Indiaโs push toward a more inclusive military.
Despite the social media speculation, no confirmation or denial has been issued by defense officials from either side.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are awaited to verify the authenticity of these claims.
Until official confirmation is provided, these reports should be treated with caution.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria โ The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the LagosโIbadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of โฆ5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshuaโs professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshuaโs recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.