Guwahati: In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday those who challenged the country's pride and dignity were "biting the dust". Addressing an event here, the Union minister said it was a matter of great joy that Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was returning home from his nearly three-day captivity in Pakistan.

The minister's comments came hours before Abhinandan was handed over to India by the Pakistani authorities at 9.10 pm. "Those who challenged India's self respect, pride and dignity were defeated and are biting the dust now. Many people raised questions and criticised (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi, but now everything is being proved," he said, after inaugurating a number of oil sector projects in Assam.