Alert! The video showing Abhinandan in Pak tea ad is fake news

The spoof video, an advert for Karachi-based Tapal Tea, drew comparisons with a video released by Pakistan as proof of the wing commander's capture

New Delhi: While there are several Facebook posts that share a video claiming to be an advert for a Pakistani tea brand starring Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, the claim has proven to be untrue, media watchdog AFP Fact Check has confirmed. Instead, the video is an edited version of an old advertisement that has been on the internet since 2010. The spoof video, an advert for Karachi-based Tapal Tea, drew comparisons with a video released by Pakistan as proof of the wing commander's capture.

The Internet is flooded with 'Fake content' on Abhinandan

Varthaman was shot down, captured by Pakistan and then returned by the country to India this month. During Varthaman's capture, he was offered tea, while being questioned by the Pakistani army.

The 40-second clip features the IAF pilot thrice. He is first seen in drinking tea from a white cup in the initial few seconds, while at 0:14 seconds and again at 0:30 seconds, he is heard saying: "The tea is fantastic, thank you."

Spoof FB post

A Facebook post's caption, published last week, says: "Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan is now part of Pakistani advertisement for Tea!! Tapal Tea is a Pakistani major tea brand, based in Karachi". The original advert was published on YouTube by a Karachi-based talent agency called Citrus Talent in 2010.

Varthaman returned to India a hero as he was lauded by People from both India and Pakistan for his bravery shown while he was captured.