Pakistani commando behind capture of Abhinandan Varthaman, killed by Indian Army: Report

A Pakistani commando who was behind the capture of IAF Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in February was killed in firing by Indian forces along the Line of Control, according to reports.

According to news agency IANS, Ahmed Khan was a subedar with the Pakistan Army's Special Service Group. He was killed by the Indian Army in Nakyal sector of the LoC on August 17 when he was trying to facilitate more infiltrators into India.

According to the report, Pakistan had fired mortar shells to allow infiltrators to enter India on August 17 in the Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. Khan was killed in the return fire by India. The report also said that Khan used to facilitate infiltration in the Nowshera, Sundarbani and Pallan Wala sectors.

While Pakistan Army has not confirmed or denied that Khan was the same officer who played a part in Abhinandan's capture. However, Pakistani media reports confirm that Naib Subedar Ahmed Khan Awan was died in the Kel Sector of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. 

In photos released by Pakistan after Abhinandan's capture on February 27, the bearded Khan can be seen behind the IAF officer. Abhinandan was captured after his MiG 21 was shot down by Pakistani forces when he went chasing after a Pakistani jet in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrike.

Abhinandan spent nearly 60 hours in Pakistan's custody after being captured following an aerial dogfight on February 27.