My brother was flying CAPs in PAF F16 during that episode. Regarding the doosra banda, the first thing I asked my brother when he could make a call after several CAPs that day was if there were any Vipers down. And he said in very definitive tone that all were accounted for. Also, he named his former colleague (S/L Hassan) and his senior (W/C Nouman) clearly as the ones having shot down Indian AF planes when no one in the public knew about the whole drama just unfolded in the air.
The SU 30 kill might have been unnecessary as the Flankers were still far inside the IOK, trying to avoid the AIM120's engagement zone. But there was a Fox3 call (only two were made that day) and one of the SU30 bit the dust. What I have heard is that pilots couldn't make it. So RIP to the brave crew of the Flanker.
Another fun fact: as soon as American at the PAF bases got to know about the 2-0 kill score, they went ecstatic and actually brought sweets to celebrate the occasion. After all, latest American tech (APG 68v9 radars, Link 16, ALQ-211 and not the least Aim120) had prevailed over the latest Russian (R73 that proved useless, SU30 getting in flames) and perhaps the Israeli tech (Bisons RWR, Radar etc.). I saw them when I visited the PAF base several months later.
Furthermore, the SU30 was shot down from a very long range and the wreckage fell inside the Indian occupied territory. Hence, despite having all the proofs, PAF reluctantly didn't pursue their claim with force. It was noted by intelligence assets on ground in Indian occupied zone, however, that the SU30s wreckage was collected by the Indians and put inside a closed aircraft hanger at one of the airfields nearby (Awantipura I guess).
That Abhinandan guy, how could he claim what he didn't do (shooting down Viper). He couldn't even lock the F16 formations grinding above him, let alone shooting down any thing. He tried to play smart by sneaking in silently but he was locked on by several F16 formations and the AWACS. As soon he crossed the LOC, a Fox 3 call was made and his Bison went down into flames in a few seconds afterwards. Poor chap couldn't know what had hit him.
The actual heavy losses PAF suffered on that fateful morning were the two connected AIM120 C5 (one to a Bison and one to a Flanker, both biting the dust) and some delayed lunches by our pilots.
What Indians feared the most that day, and still do, is the 75 odd PAF F16s capable of wielding their long sticks (AIM120 C5's), which if properly employed, is one hell of a weapon.
You wrote that your brother confirmed to you that there is no F-16 kill.
Can you also let us know if your brother confirmed that a su-30 fell on that day and both pilots lost their lives?
PS: I am asking this question as I want to know if your brother said that about su-30?