In a moment of immense relief for his family and country, Border Security Force (BSF) Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan Rangers on Thursday morning, bringing an end to a harrowing three-week ordeal. The 40-year-old soldier, originally from Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, had inadvertently crossed the International Border on April 23 while on operational duty in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector. He was detained by Pakistan Rangers at a time when bilateral relations were strained following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
The official handover took place at 10:30 am through the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar, Punjab. According to a BSF statement, the repatriation was carried out in a peaceful manner following established border protocols. The BSF had engaged in persistent diplomatic efforts, including repeated requests for a flag meeting with their Pakistani counterparts, which initially went unanswered due to heightened cross-border tensions.
Family’s Long Wait Comes to an End
Purnam Shaw’s family had been enduring weeks of anxiety since his detention. His pregnant wife Rajani Shaw, along with their seven-year-old son and relatives, had travelled to Chandigarh seeking updates and support. Days after his disappearance, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern and instructed her party’s Serampore MP Kalyan Banerjee to coordinate with the family and push for immediate government intervention. Rajani, after receiving a direct call from the Chief Minister, said the assurance about her husband’s well-being had brought immense comfort.
Purnam’s father, Bholenath Shaw, received the confirmation of his son’s release from BSF Headquarters on Tuesday morning. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “We were informed last evening that my son would be back. I want to thank the Indian Government, the state leadership, and God for his return.”
From Tension to Triumph: A Coordinated Effort
The return of Constable Shaw came just days after a ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, which played a key role in reopening communication channels. The BSF continued to lodge formal protests and maintained diplomatic pressure, even in the absence of direct cooperation from Pakistan Rangers. Shaw, who had been in uniform and armed with his service rifle at the time of crossing, was debriefed and sent for medical evaluations upon return. Such inadvertent border crossings are not uncommon and are typically resolved via flag meetings, but the Pahalgam terror attack had complicated matters significantly.
Political leaders across party lines welcomed the development. BJP West Bengal President Sukanta Majumdar lauded the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring no Indian is left behind. “Today, the safe return of BSF jawan Shri Purnam Kumar Shaw is not just a moment of relief—it’s a victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy, and pride,” he posted on social media.
Relief, Gratitude, and Looking Ahead
The Shaw family has now begun preparations to welcome Purnam back home. “I am ready to distribute sweets in our locality,” his father said joyfully. Meanwhile, his wife Rajani expressed gratitude for the support received from both state and central governments. The All India Trinamool Congress also issued a statement, praising the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressing hope for Purnam’s smooth recovery from the mental and emotional stress he endured.
With the immediate crisis now behind him, Shaw will undergo detailed debriefing before he is reunited with his family. His safe return stands as a testament to diplomatic perseverance and cross-border protocol, even in times of heightened geopolitical strain.