BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw Returns Home After 15 Days in Pakistan Custody

BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was in Pakistan’s custody since April 23 after inadvertently crossing the international border in Punjab, was released and handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday morning, the Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed in an official statement.

“Today at 1030 hours, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at the Attari-Wagah border. With the consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels, the repatriation of the BSF constable has become possible,” a BSF spokesperson said.

The 30-year-old jawan, hailing from Hooghly district in West Bengal, had recently been posted at the Indo-Pakistan border near Ferozepur in Punjab as part of an ad-hoc team. On April 23, while assisting local farmers working close to the zero line, Shaw inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory and was promptly detained by the Pakistan Rangers.

Initially, both forces engaged in flag meetings to resolve the issue, but communication broke down shortly after due to cross-border firing incidents occurring at various points along the international border. Despite the interruption, the BSF continued to pursue diplomatic and communication channels to secure his safe return.

Shaw’s family received informal word about his release on Tuesday night. His father, Bhola Nath Shaw, a retired bank employee, expressed cautious relief. “Last night, some senior officers called us informing about the development. They told us he was set to be released. We are yet to be informed officially,” he said.

Constable Shaw was reportedly in uniform and on duty when he crossed the border. His unintentional entry into Pakistan was not an act of defection or breach but a lapse that occurred during operational support near the border fence.

The safe return of Constable Shaw is being seen as a positive outcome amidst a tense atmosphere between the two nations, especially in light of recent hostilities and military actions, including India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting Pakistan-based terror infrastructure.