By The Sampadak Express
BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been held by Pakistan Rangers since April 23 after inadvertently crossing the International Border, was repatriated to India on Wednesday morning. The handover took place peacefully at the Joint Check Post in Attari, Amritsar, around 10:30 AM, as per an official statement from the Border Security Force (BSF).
Shaw, a member of the BSF’s 182nd Battalion and a native of West Bengal, is currently undergoing debriefing by Indian security agencies.
According to the BSF, Constable Shaw unintentionally crossed into Pakistani territory near the Ferozepur sector while on operational duty. He was in uniform and carrying his service rifle when he reportedly sought shade to rest and unknowingly strayed across the border, where he was detained by Pakistan Rangers.
Efforts to secure his release were promptly initiated through a flag meeting between Indian and Pakistani border officials, leading to his return after 20 days in custody.
Shaw’s family expressed immense relief and gratitude upon his return. “We are very happy today. We thank the central government and BSF authorities for their relentless efforts. The past weeks have been extremely stressful, and we are now eagerly waiting to see him,” said a family member.
Political leaders from both the Trinamool Congress and BJP acknowledged the successful repatriation. The Trinamool Congress posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Home at last. Mamata Banerjee personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance during the ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery and peace with his loved ones.”
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating on X, “A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for proving once again that under your leadership, no Indian is ever left behind. Shaw’s return is a victory for India’s resolve and diplomacy.”
The incident occurred just a day after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 people lost their lives. While the two incidents are not officially linked, the timing heightened concerns over the jawan’s safety.
Constable Shaw is expected to rejoin his unit after completing medical checks and debriefings.
