Purnam Kumar Shaw (C) flanked by his fellow BSF soldiers on this Indian side of the Attari-Wagah India Pakistan border post after his release.
New Delhi: In a major diplomatic breakthrough for India, Pakistan released Border Security Force constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, on Wednesday, who had been detained for 21 days after inadvertently crossing the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector during operational duty. The handover took place at 10.30am at the Joint Check Post in Attari, Punjab. The handover was conducted peacefully in accordance with established protocols, bringing immense relief to Shaw’s family, colleagues, and the nation.
Who is Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw?
Purnam Kumar Shaw, a 40-year-old BSF constable from Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, has served in the force for 17 years. He is part of the BSF’s 182 Battalion, which is deployed along the sensitive India-Pakistan border in Punjab, an area frequently targeted for cross-border infiltration and smuggling. Shaw is married to Rajani Shaw, who is currently pregnant, and is the father of a seven-year-old son.
Circumstances of His Detention
On April 23, at around 11.50am, Shaw inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector. This incident occurred just a day after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 28 people and significantly heightened tensions along the border and finally led to India launching Operation Sindoor.
Shaw, who was in uniform and carrying his service weapon, was immediately detained by Pakistan Rangers.
Images from the time of his capture show Shaw blindfolded and disoriented, which underscored the gravity of the situation and the anxiety it caused his family and the BSF. Under normal circumstances, such inadvertent crossings are resolved quickly through flag meetings between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers. However, the recent escalation in hostilities delayed repatriation efforts, with Pakistan initially not responding to requests for a meeting.
Family’s Ordeal and Diplomatic Efforts
Shaw’s detention triggered weeks of anxiety for his family in West Bengal. His wife, Rajani, travelled to Punjab to meet BSF officials and seek updates on the efforts to secure his release. The West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, personally intervened, speaking to Rajani multiple times and assuring her of the government’s efforts. The family’s ordeal was compounded by uncertainty and fear, especially given the tense state of India-Pakistan relations at the time.
Kalyan Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress MP from Serampore, also pressed for urgent action, reaching out to the BSF director general and the Prime Minister’s Office to expedite Shaw’s return.
Release and Repatriation
The breakthrough came following the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan on May 10, which paved the way for the cessation of hostilities following the launch of Operation Sindoor and renewed diplomatic engagement. Persistent efforts by the BSF, including regular flag meetings and communication with Pakistan Rangers, ultimately led to Shaw’s release.
As mentioned earlier, Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday morning in a peaceful and protocol-driven process.
Following his return, Shaw was immediately taken for medical examination and debriefing by security officials. BSF officials confirmed that he showed no signs of torture or injury, and his family expressed profound gratitude to the government and the BSF for ensuring his safe return.
A Moment of Relief and Celebration
The news of Shaw’s release sparked celebrations in his hometown of Rishra, with his father, Bholenath Shaw, expressing disbelief and joy at his son’s safe return. Sweets were distributed, and the family prepared to welcome Shaw home after weeks of uncertainty. The West Bengal chief minister, sharing her relief on social media, extended her best wishes to Shaw and his family, highlighting the collective efforts that made his repatriation possible.
