CHANDIGARH, May 14: Four days after a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan, Pakistan on Wednesday repatriated Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in custody since April 23. The handover took place at 10:30 a.m. through the Joint Check Post at Attari in Punjab.
Shaw, attached to the BSF’s 182 Battalion and deployed along the international border in Punjab, had inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory during operational duty in the Ferozepur sector on April 23 around 11:50 a.m. He was subsequently detained by Pakistan Rangers.
Confirming the development, the BSF stated, “Today at 1030 hrs, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari-Wagha border.”
Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Frontier BSF, Atul Fulzele, told the media that the handover was conducted peacefully and adhered to established cross-border repatriation protocols.
Shaw’s detention occurred a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. He had crossed the international border with his service weapon amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions and was held in custody throughout the escalation.
A native of Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, Shaw’s family faced weeks of uncertainty. His wife had travelled to Punjab to seek support from BSF officials during the ordeal.
Following his return, the Trinamool Congress took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated.” The party added that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had personally reached out to Shaw’s wife multiple times to offer reassurance and support.
“We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones,” the party said.
