Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was brought back to India this morning after 21 days in Pakistani custody. Shaw was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23 when he accidentally entered Pakistani territory while on duty in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector.
Constable Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border at 10:30 am today as per the laid down protocols. This safe return was possible as a result of high level diplomatic efforts by the BSF and the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral flag meetings and continuous communication through other channels.
According to officials earlier, Shaw was on duty on April 23 at around 11:50 am when he inadvertently made a route identification error and entered Pakistani territory. He was immediately detained by Pakistan Rangers and the Indian side was informed. The dialogue and technical communication held between the two sides on the basis of mutual trust played a vital role in resolving the incident peacefully.
There was an atmosphere of joy in the family of Purnam Kumar Shau when he returned home. The family celebrated this success by distributing sweets. Wife Rajni Shau had continuously appealed to the government for the safe release of her husband.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also contacted Rajni Shaw three times over the phone and again today. She shared the information on the social media platform “X” and expressed her heartfelt happiness and sent best wishes to Shaw and his family.
Similarly, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), which monitors international affairs, also issued a statement praising the peaceful resolution of the incident. The party claimed that this effort has further strengthened the possibilities of dialogue between the two countries and expressed hope that Purnam Kumar Shaw will soon regain full mental health and live a peaceful life with his loved ones.