KISHTWAR/NEW DELHI - Amid widespread speculation on social media, the Indian Air Force has officially dismissed reports claiming that one of its fighter jets crashed in the Padder area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, calling the information entirely "false".
The confusion began Friday afternoon when locals in the remote mountainous Padder region reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick plumes of smoke billowing from a forested hilltop. Several videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising from the area, prompting unverified claims that an IAF aircraft had gone down.
Responding to the viral speculations, an IAF spokesperson issued a clear statement: "There are certain media outlets and SM handles claiming an IAF aircraft has crashed near Kishtwar. This report is false. All media outlets are requested to verify information from official sources before publishing or transmitting".
The Indian Army also refuted the crash reports, though authorities have not yet officially confirmed the cause of the loud explosion or the source of the smoke seen in the area. Officials have urged the public and media to rely only on verified information, particularly on sensitive security matters in the region.
The incident comes amid heightened security operations in Kishtwar, where security forces have been actively pursuing terrorist elements in challenging terrain.
