Mamata prays for safe return of captured IAF pilot

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday prayed for safe return of captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot from Pakistan.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday after his MiG 21 fell in the Pakistan territory during a aerial dogfight.

"Along with his family members and all our countrymen, we are anxiously waiting for the safe return of pilot Abhinandan," she wrote on Twitter.

Banerjee's comments came shortly after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that the captured IAF pilot will be freed on Friday "as a peace gesture."-IANS