Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, a viral claim on social media has falsely stated that Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has been captured by the Pakistan Army. The claim, accompanied by a photo and a video, was widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), triggering confusion and concern.
The post read: “There are news that Indian Female Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Shivani Singh captured in Pakistan while she jumped from the jet. Here is a video too, watch out. By the way, Chai Peeni Hai. After Abhinandan, another one.”
However, India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) has debunked this claim. In a prompt response, PIB stated:
“Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan. This claim is FAKE!”
Indian Female Air Force pilot has NOT been captured🚨
Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan.#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is FAKE!#IndiaFightsPropaganda https://t.co/iLY7E7HjDa
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 10, 2025
Who is Lt Shivangi Singh?
The person being referred to, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, is actually an officer in the Indian Navy, not the Air Force. She is among the first three women pilots of the Indian Navy and hails from Fatehabad village in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. She previously flew the Pilatus trainer aircraft and has not been reported missing or involved in any incident.
The false narrative is part of a larger pattern of misinformation being circulated online since the escalation of cross-border hostilities. Indian authorities have urged the public to verify all such claims through official channels and avoid amplifying unverified and fake content.
