Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw of the Border Security Force (BSF), who had been detained by the Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was returned to India on Wednesday morning via the Attari-Wagah border.
The BSF confirmed the development, stating: “At 10:30 AM, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was taken back from Pakistan by BSF. This repatriation was made possible due to persistent efforts, including regular flag meetings and active communication with the Pakistan Rangers.”
Shaw, a native of Hooghly, West Bengal, had recently joined his post at the Indo-Pak border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district on April 10. He inadvertently crossed the international border while assisting farmers near the zero line and was taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers while in uniform.
His father, Bhola Nath Shaw, a retired bank official, shared: “We were informed by senior officers late last night that he would be released. We’re still awaiting official communication.”
Initial dialogue between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers began soon after the incident but stalled due to ongoing cross-border firing. Nevertheless, diplomatic and on-ground efforts ultimately led to his safe return.
The incident underscores the high-stakes environment at the Indo-Pak border and the delicate processes involved in conflict resolution between the two nations’ forces.
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