Pak returns BSF jawan to India 20 days after he accidentally crossed border

New Delhi| May,14: BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was handed back to Indian authorities on Wednesday morning.
The handover took place around 10:30 am at the Joint Check Post in Attari, Amritsar, and was conducted peacefully following established protocols, the BSF said in a statement. Shaw, who hails from West Bengal, is currently being debriefed by security officials.In an official statement, the BSF said, “Today at 1030 hrs, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by the BSF at the Attari – Wagha border. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the area of Ferozepur sector on 23rd April 2025 around 1150 hrs and was detained by Pak Rangers.”
BSF jawan’s family said that it was a “great relief” and thanked the government for securing his return. “We are very happy today. We thank the central government and the BSF authorities for their efforts in safely bringing him back. The past two weeks have been filled with sleepless nights and uncertainty for us. We were constantly worried about his well-being,” a family member of Shaw told reporters.”We are now eagerly waiting to speak to him and see him in person. Our prayers have finally been answered,” he said.
Following BSF jawan’s return to India, the Trinamool Congress wrote on X, “Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. Mamata Banerjee personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support during the ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones.”West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar thanked PM Narendra Modi on X. He wrote, “A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for once again proving that under your strong and decisive leadership, no Indian is ever left behind. Today, the safe return of @BSF_India jawan Shri Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was in Pakistan’s custody since April 23, is not just a moment of relief—it’s a victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy, and national pride. Your relentless commitment to the nation’s security and dignity has ensured justice and honor for our brave soldiers.”BSF jawan Shaw of the 182nd Battalion was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23 after he inadvertently crossed the International Border near Ferozepur, Punjab. Shaw was on duty near the border fence and in uniform, carrying his service rifle, when he reportedly moved towards a shaded area to rest. In the process, he unknowingly crossed into Pakistani territory, where he was apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers. Following his detention, officials from both the Indian Army and Pakistan Rangers had initiated a flag meeting to resolve the matter and secure the jawan’s release. Notably, the jawan accidentally crossed the border a day after the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which terrorists opened fire in the Baisaran valley, killing 26 people