BSF jawan, detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23, returns to India

The Border Security Force (BSF) reported that constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, detained by Pakistan since April 23, was returned to India on Wednesday morning.

Shaw was apprehended by Pakistan Rangers on the afternoon of April 23, after he accidentally crossed into Pakistan’s territory while serving at the Indo-Pakistan border in Punjab.

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

Shaw’s father, Bhola Nath Shaw, a retired bank employee said, “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.”

In the early days, Pakistan Rangers had participated in flag meetings at the border with BSF officers; however, as cross firing occurred at various locations along the border, communication at all levels stopped.

Shaw, who had just started his assignment at the Indo-Punjab border in the Ferozepur district of Punjab, inadvertently crossed the border while helping local villagers (farmers) in the fields near the zero line on Wednesday and was captured by the Pakistan border guarding force.

Shaw, living in Hooghly, West Bengal, had been assigned to an ad-hoc team at the Indo-Punjab border since April 10. While in uniform and on duty, he accidentally crossed the border.