Site icon The Commune

The Hindu’s Frontline Editor R.K. Radhakrishnan Parrots Pakistan’s Line, Dismisses IAF’s F-16 Shoot Down, Gets Schooled By Retired Army Colonel With Official Proof

The Commune

Congress-leaning journalists often seem incapable of accepting any major Indian achievement, especially when it comes to the capabilities of our armed forces. Instead of acknowledging India’s military strength, they’re quick to parrot the narratives of China, Pakistan, or extremist elements—dressed up as “journalism.” A recent example is The Hindu’s Frontline editor R.K. Radhakrishnan, who first downplayed the Pahalgam terror incident as “non-religious” and has now gone a step further—publicly denying that the Indian Air Force shot down a Pakistani F-16 during the 2019 Balakot conflict.

During a recent private media debate on India-Pakistan tensions, Radhakrishnan dismissed any claim that India downed a Pakistani F-16. Retired Lt. Col. Thiagarajan, who was also part of the panel, called out Congress sympathizers for echoing Pakistani propaganda and reminded the panel that Indian Air Marshal Kapoor had officially confirmed the F-16 takedown.

Clearly rattled, Radhakrishnan interrupted, saying, “No, no, that’s false information. You’re registering false claims, sorry.” When Col. Thiagarajan stood his ground, citing official IAF confirmation, Radhakrishnan doubled down and said, “No, sorry, you are lying, sir. You are a colonel—please don’t do this. There is no evidence of a Pakistan’s F-16 being down ever. Please, do not provide misinformation.”

When Col. Thiagarajan asked what gave him the authority to refute an Air Force Marshal’s official statement, Radhakrishnan audaciously claimed, “I’m saying sir. I’ve examined every piece of evidence that has been given. Don’t speak with the IT cell evidence here—that can be spoke by Suryah, not you.” To which the Colonel rightly responded, “You’re not the examining authority. The Indian Air Force is. Air Marshal Kapoor has confirmed it.”

 

Following the on-air clash, Retired Lt. Col. Thiagarajan took to social media to school Congress-sympathizing journalist R.K. Radhakrishnan with official evidence. Posting via his X account, Thiagarajan tagged Radhakrishnan and wrote, “@RKRadhakrishn sir, this is the official @IAF_MCC diary of events. As an Indian and a veteran, I stand by the #IAF‘s statement. I must respectfully express my strong disagreement with your remarks. @ThanthiTV #IndiaPakistanWar.” 

In the post, he shared the Indian Air Force’s official diary of events from 27 February 2019. It clearly stated that IAF radars had detected a large formation of Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace near Rajouri. In response, Indian fighters including the MiG-21 Bison, Su-30MKI, and Mirage-2000 were scrambled to intercept. A dogfight ensued, and one Pakistani F-16 was confirmed shot down by a MiG-21 Bison, with its wreckage falling across the LoC. IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan, who also lost his aircraft during the encounter, was captured and later returned by Pakistan.

But unsurprisingly, Radhakrishnan refused to accept defeat. He replied, “Thank you for this but I’m sorry. There is no proof of an F-16 being brought down, barring claims from our side. You should hold our government to a minimum standard of proof instead of just consuming what is put out. Please remember I’m not alone in saying this. As Noam Chomsky said, do not trust any government; question the claims they make. As you righty pointed out on the show, Sam Manekshaw told Indira Gandhi that he won’t lead the Army to war to suit her politics. Find me a General who will do the same now? Can you?”

Unfazed, Thiagarajan hit back with more damning evidence, “#Proof 1 Official joint statements of our Tri-Services on the F-16 issue. At a joint briefing, the Indian Air Force presented parts of an AMRAAM missile used exclusively by Pakistani F-16s recovered from Rajouri in Indian territory. This directly exposes Pakistan’s false denial of using F-16s in their offensive strike. “Press statement by tri service”. youtu.be/f3OqLotTbcw?si #Proof 2 The Indian Air Force also released radar images showing the presence and engagement of Pakistani F-16s on Feb 27. Digital evidence like radar signatures don’t lie. When such technical proof is given, there should be no room for denial or doubt. “Press statement by @IAF_MCC “ youtu.be/5RosQOdTsH4?si Regarding Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw asked Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for time before launching the military operation during the 1971 Indo-Pak war for strategic, tactical and op readiness reasons. Not for political reason. Noam Chomsky’s quotes may suit their soil, but for our nation and its soul, we have the timeless wisdom of our forefathers like Thiruvalluvar. I hope this puts to rest any doubts about the integrity of our Defence Forces.”

Still unable to accept facts, Radhakrishnan doubled down, “It doesn’t put anything to rest. As I said, provide proof, which can be verified by #OSINT community and international actors. I’m ok with you believing it. I’m stunned that you insist I believe your propaganda pushed by BJP.”

To this, Col. Thiagarajan firmly closed the argument, “The digital evedance and part of AMRAAM provided by the Indian Airforce is more than enough for me. If you’re choosing to doubt the integrity of our armed forces, that’s your call, but I won’t be part of that. I stand with those who protect this nation. There is no place here for giving it a political colour or dragging politics into it.”

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Exit mobile version