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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 India’s 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 India’s 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.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.