New Delhi: Social media buff s can't seem to get enough of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Not only was he the top trend on social media, but he also became one of the most imitated Indian personalities on the internet. In an attempt to expose the numerous fake accounts that have recently surfaced in his name, the IAF has urged users to avoid fake accounts in his name, adding that the wing commander does not have a social media presence.

Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani army after his MiG-21 jet was shot down by a Pakistani fighter during a clash over a week ago. However, after spending over two days in their custody, he was released by Pakistan on Friday.

Troublemakers using pilot's identity on social media

People from both India and Pakistan, including celebrities, brands as well as the general public, lauded the courage and level-headedness shown by the pilot while he was captured. However, some troublemakers have gone on to use the pilot's identity to spread fake news on different social media platforms.

"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 Air warrior for spreading misinformation,"

A youth from Uttar Pradesh was recently booked for making a fake account of the IAF pilot on Twitter while praising Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"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 Air warrior for spreading misinformation," the IAF said on Twitter.

IAF busts 6 fake Twitter handles

The IAF also busted six fake Twitter accounts going by the names @IAFAbhinandanV, @abhinandanhere, @_pilotiaf, @WC_Abhinandan, @AbhiNandan_Wcdr, @W_abhinandan.