Not tortured, but was mentally harassed in Pak custody, says Abhinandan Varthaman: Reports

Pakistan has also claimed that Varthaman was treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention during his nearly 60-hour long custody.

Early footage from Pakistan showed Varthaman blindfolded and handcuffed by Pakistani military in an injured condition. A video released subsequently showed him drinking tea and saying that he was being treated will.

According to reports, Varthaman was forced to record a video statement just before he was released. In the short video recording, the Wing Commander is seen saying that the Pakistani Army saved him from the mob. The recording of the video is said to have delayed his handover by three hours.

For the last three days, he has been undergoing medical treatment at a military hospital.

Varthaman told senior IAF commanders and doctors treating him that he wants to start flying at the earliest, the officials told PTI.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan early February 26.

Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations on February 27. However, the IAF thwarted their plans.

The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

(With inputs from PTI)