Vijay Varma links IC814 to Operation Sindoor on Masood Azhar’s family: "f**ker escaped justice back then"

In shocking turn of events that has shaken both the geopolitical and entertainment landscapes, Operation Sindoor has become the focal point of national conversation. Following a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, India responded with unprecedented military precision, targeting terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. As the news of these retaliatory strikes broke, celebrities, public figures, and citizens poured in their support for the Indian Armed Forces. Among the voices was actor Vijay Varma, whose recent role in Netflix's IC814: The Kandahar Hijack suddenly took on a deeper, chilling relevance.

In the early hours of Wednesday, a coordinated Indian military operation struck 21 terror camps across nine locations in Pakistan’s Punjab province and PoK. This bold move came in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers. Within a 25-minute timeframe between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM, key terrorist hideouts were obliterated — with one major target being the Subhan Allah complex in Bahawalpur, a known base of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

One of the most shocking revelations came shortly after: Masood Azhar, the founder of JeM and a globally designated terrorist, confirmed the death of 10 of his family members, including his sister and brother-in-law, in the strikes. Pakistani media claimed the death toll in his household reached 14. The funerals are scheduled in Bahawalpur, a chilling reminder of the cost of harboring terror.

Vijay Varma’s Bold Statement

Actor Vijay Varma, who portrayed Captain Sharan Dev, the pilot-in-command of the hijacked IC814 flight in Netflix’s IC814: The Kandahar Hijack, took to Instagram to express his views. He shared a video report confirming the deaths of Azhar’s family and followed it with a strongly-worded post: “For those who are triggered by the previous story... Masood Azhar needs an even harsher punishment if there is. Hardened criminal. F**ker escaped justice back in 1999 with IC814 hijacking.”

Varma’s post resonated with many, linking real-life events to the gripping dramatization of one of India’s most traumatic hostage crises.

IC814: A Reminder of History

The Netflix series IC814: The Kandahar Hijack revisits the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999. The flight, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was seized mid-air and taken on a grim journey through Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally to Taliban-controlled Kandahar in Afghanistan. The hijackers, later identified as Pakistani nationals from cities like Karachi and Bahawalpur, demanded the release of three terrorists, including Masood Azhar.

After eight excruciating days and the murder of one hostage, the Indian government capitulated. Then-Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh personally accompanied Azhar and the other two terrorists to Kandahar in exchange for the safe release of the hostages. This controversial move allowed Azhar to later form JeM, the group responsible for numerous deadly attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2016 Pathankot airbase assault.

The Show and Its Controversies

IC814: The Kandahar Hijack has not been without criticism. While praised for its gripping storytelling and accurate depiction of the crisis, some viewers raised eyebrows over the renaming of the terrorists. The real names, Ibrahim Akhtar, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir, were replaced by code names like Bhola, Shankar, Doctor, Burger, and Chief. Critics argue this dilutes the historical context and obscures the Pakistani origins of the hijackers. However, journalist Neelesh Mishra, who authored a book on the hijacking, clarified that these code names were used by the hijackers and passengers during the ordeal. Survivor Pooja Kataria, who was on her honeymoon during the hijack, also dismissed the controversy, stating: “The controversy which is going on is needless. The true event has been depicted and they (hijackers) had code names and they used to call each other using those names.” She also recalled a bizarre moment of humanity when one hijacker, known as Burger, gave her a shawl for her birthday and even played Antakshari with passengers.

Masood Azhar: The Man Behind The Mayhem

Masood Azhar’s name is synonymous with terrorism in South Asia. After being released in 1999, he founded Jaish-e-Mohammed, which soon became one of the most dangerous terror outfits operating from Pakistan. Under his leadership, JeM orchestrated numerous attacks on Indian soil. Despite being officially banned in Pakistan post the Parliament attack, JeM continued to thrive under different names and guises.

Azhar had disappeared from the public eye for several months but resurfaced towards the end of 2024 in Bahawalpur, according to Indian intelligence. He was reportedly operating from a highly fortified complex, directing terror activities. The intelligence was precise, and Operation Sindoor appears to have dealt a significant blow not just to JeM but to Azhar’s inner circle.

A Nation United: Celebrities and Citizens Speak Out

In the wake of the strikes, the country witnessed a surge of patriotism and unity. Celebrities from Bollywood, sports personalities, and influencers across platforms hailed the bravery and precision of the Indian armed forces. Hashtags like #OperationSindoor, #IndianArmy, and #JusticeForPahalgam began trending across social media platforms.

Many, like Vijay Varma, tied the events back to their personal and professional lives. For Varma, who stepped into the shoes of a pilot caught in a nightmare two decades ago, the emotional weight of history repeating itself, with India now in a stronger, more assertive role hit close to home.

These developments hint at a broader shift in India's security doctrine. For years, the country has absorbed provocations with restraint, often facing criticism for not responding decisively. Operation Sindoor, however, signals a new chapter. Military sources confirm that while the targets were terrorist camps and not Pakistani military installations, the message was unambiguous: India will not hesitate to strike back.

Furthermore, while Pakistan called India’s actions an “act of war,” it has also signaled readiness to de-escalate if India halts further operations. Indian officials, meanwhile, maintain that no civilian areas were hit, countering Pakistani claims of civilian casualties.

Masood Azhar’s confirmed loss of family members in the Bahawalpur strike marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Whether he himself was wounded or killed remains officially unconfirmed, but his silence following the statement has only fueled speculation.

For Indian citizens, however, Operation Sindoor is a moment of catharsis, a long-awaited justice for decades of bloodshed. The legacy of the IC814 hijack, once a source of national pain, now stands juxtaposed with a show of strength and surgical precision.

The catalyst for Operation Sindoor was a deadly terror ambush in Pahalgam, a picturesque region in South Kashmir known for its tourism and religious significance. On that gloomy morning, terrorists attacked the tourists and started shooting them randomly while asking them their religion. The attack was believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terror groups, with intelligence pointing toward the involvement of operatives from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the same group founded by Masood Azhar. The brutality of the ambush and the loss of Indian lives deeply angered the nation, leading to an outpouring of grief and fury.

As India grapples with rising tensions and prepares for any further escalation, Operation Sindoor serves as both a warning and a promise. A warning to those who threaten its peace, and a promise to its citizens that justice, though delayed, is never denied.

In the realm of entertainment, reality has yet again intertwined with reel life. Vijay Varma’s powerful portrayal in IC814 and his real-world outrage have brought the conversation full circle. From the dark memories of 1999 to the bold resilience of 2025, India’s journey is one of evolving strength and stories that continue to inspire.