In a moment of relief and emotional homecoming, BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been detained by Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was repatriated to India on Wednesday morning. He was handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Attari-Wagah border at around 10:30 am, following consistent diplomatic and operational efforts between the two sides.
Shaw, a young soldier from Hooghly, West Bengal, had recently been posted at the Indo-Pak border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. On April 23, while assisting local farmers working near the zero line, he inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory. Dressed in his uniform and on duty, Shaw was immediately detained by the Pakistan Rangers.
The situation initially appeared tense, as regular communication between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers had been disrupted due to intermittent cross-border firing at various locations. Despite these challenges, the BSF continued its efforts, engaging in multiple flag meetings and maintaining other channels of communication to ensure Shaw’s safe return.
The long wait finally ended with a quiet but deeply significant handover at the Attari Joint Check Post. The BSF confirmed the successful repatriation in a statement, crediting persistent dialogue and coordination for making it possible.
Back home in Hooghly, Shaw’s family had been anxiously awaiting news. His father, Bhola Nath Shaw, a retired bank employee, shared that they were informed the previous night by senior officers about the impending release. “We were told he would be released, but we hadn’t received any official confirmation till this morning,” he said, his voice reflecting a mix of relief and lingering concern.
Shaw had only recently joined duty at this sensitive border post, having been posted there from April 10. His brief but eventful stint underscores the unpredictable challenges faced by soldiers guarding the nation’s borders.
His return marks not just the end of a tense episode, but also a reminder of the dedication and risks undertaken by India’s border personnel. For his family, the reunion is a heartfelt conclusion to weeks of uncertainty — a quiet celebration of safety, resilience, and the value of every life in uniform.
