In a significant development, Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was returned to India by Pakistan on Wednesday. The handover took place at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab, with the exchange occurring at 10:30 am, as confirmed by officials. BSF personnel received Shaw from their Pakistani counterparts in a peaceful and orderly manner, adhering to all established protocols.
Shaw had been in the custody of the Pakistan Rangers since April 23, 2025, after inadvertently crossing into Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector. His arrest came just a day after a terror attack in Pahalgam, adding to the tensions in the region.
Today BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since 23 April 2025, was handed over to India: BSF
Relief and Joy in West Bengal
The return of BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has brought immense relief and joy to his family in Rishra, Hooghly district, West Bengal. Shaw's family had been enduring a period of intense anxiety and uncertainty over the past two weeks.
“We are extremely relieved. These past days were filled with anxiety. We thank the central government and BSF officials for ensuring his safe return,” a family member stated while speaking to the media. “We’ve been longing to hear from him, and now we just want to see him home.”
Medical Examination and Debriefing Await Shaw
Upon his return, Shaw will undergo a comprehensive medical examination to assess his health condition. Following this, he will attend counseling and debriefing sessions where officers will gather crucial information about his 21-day custody in Pakistan.
Shaw will not immediately resume his duties at the 24th Battalion of the Border Security Force. An internal probe will be conducted by the Punjab Frontier of the BSF to identify any operational shortcomings and analyze the circumstances surrounding his capture.
The safe return of Purnam Kumar Shaw marks a positive step in the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.