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BSF jawan returns to India after 21 days in Pakistan's custody following inadvertent border crossing
Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday morning. The exchange was peaceful at about 10:30 AM, after weeks of tension along the India-Pakistan border.
Inadvertent Crossing After Pahalgam Attack
Shaw, a 40-year-old jawan of the Border Security Force from West Bengal’s Hooghly district, had crossed the International Border in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector by mistake while on duty. This came just a day after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed and tensions on the border rose.
He was traveling with farmers who are allowed to farm land between the zero line and the fence along the border. Officials said Shaw had crossed into a wooded area to rest while still in uniform and carrying his service rifle when he was picked up by Pakistan Rangers.
Family’s Plea and Bengal CM’s Intervention
Shaw’s arrest prompted emotional pleas from his family, including his pregnant wife Rajani Sahu, who visited Chandigarh and Ferozepur seeking news. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened, keeping in touch with Shaw’s family and urging his release. On his return, Banerjee was elated, saying, “I had been in constant touch with his family. Today, I spoke with his wife again. My warmest greetings to my jawan-brother and his family”.
Rajani Shaw also spoke about her gratitude, saying, “The country supported us. I thank all of them, the Chief Minister most of all, for giving us hope.”
Swap With Pakistani Ranger Held in Rajasthan
As a counter-move, India also set free a Pakistani Ranger who was taken into custody by BSF from the Rajasthan border on May 3. Officials verified that the exchange had been made after an agreement for a mutual ceasefire, which was drawn up on May 10, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terrorism operation against the Pahalgam attack.
Debriefing and Medical Check-up in Progress
Shaw, a member of the 182nd battalion, will now receive a comprehensive medical checkup, psychological counseling, and a formal debriefing. He will not be sent back on active duty immediately. An internal probe by the Punjab Frontier of BSF has also been launched to study the circumstances that resulted in the accidental crossing and operational procedures.
A BSF spokesperson attributed the successful repatriation to ongoing diplomatic channels and flag meetings, saying, “The return of our constable was made possible by consistent efforts and adherence to protocol despite heightened tensions.”