New Delhi, March 27: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who returned to a hero's welcome after being released by Pakistan last month when he was held captive for two days, has returned to his squadron in Srinagar, despite being on a four- week sick leave, said reports. IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's Return Hailed by PM Narendra Modi.

The Wing Commander preferred to stay with his squadron in Srinagar than going to his family home in Chennai while on leave. The security agencies completed a nearly two-week debriefing after his return from Pakistan and the IAF pilot went on leave around 12 days ago after the debriefing. Abhinandan Returns From Pakistan Via Attari Wagah Border; India Celebrates; See Pic & Video.

"Abhinandan Varthaman could have gone to his family home in Chennai to spend time with his parents. But he chose to go to Srinagar where his squadron is based," the sources said.

After his four-week sick leave period, a medical board will review his fitness to help the IAF top brass decide whether he can return to fighter cockpit as desired by him.

He was captured by the Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during an aerial combat. He downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan before his plane was hit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced in his country's Parliament that Pakistan would release Abhinandan Varthaman. The move helped ease the tensions between India and Pakistan which had escalated post Pulwama terror attack on Indian CRPF forces that resulted in the loss of lives of 40 CRPF personnel in February 14 fidayeen attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 27, 2019 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).