BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw Returns to India After Detention in Pakistan
BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in Pakistani custody since April 23, was handed over to Indian authorities on Wednesday at the Attari-Wagah border around 10:30 am. Shaw was detained by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the International Border while on duty in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector.
According to a BSF statement, Shaw accidentally entered Pakistani territory at around 11:50 am on April 23 during an operational task. After his detention, the BSF worked continuously for his return through regular flag meetings and communication with Pakistani officials, ultimately securing his repatriation.
Shaw’s release follows the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, shortly after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern about the situation, urging prompt action for Shaw’s return. She emphasized that her party fully supports the government on issues of national security, setting aside political differences.
In response to Shaw’s detention, the BSF has issued a strict advisory for heightened vigilance among its personnel patrolling the sensitive border areas. The BSF is responsible for guarding the 3,323-kilometer-long India-Pakistan border, which stretches across Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the Line of Control), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.