New Delhi: In a heartening development, Border Security Force (BSF) Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistani Rangers since April 23, 2025, was safely handed back to Indian authorities on Wednesday morning. The repatriation took place at around 10:30 AM at the Joint Check Post (JCP) in Attari, Amritsar, and was conducted in accordance with established military protocols.
“Today BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since 23 April 2025, was handed over to India at about 1030 hours through the Joint Check Post Attari, Amritsar. The handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols,” read an official statement issued by the BSF.
Shaw, a 40-year-old constable posted in Punjab’s sensitive Firozpur sector, had inadvertently crossed the international border into Pakistani territory, just a day after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. The incident had led to heightened alert across all border outposts, with BSF issuing strict advisories to its troops to remain extra vigilant during patrol duties.
Sources said that Shaw’s accidental crossing may have occurred due to heightened stress and confusion following the Pahalgam attack. However, he was reportedly treated well in custody and his return has brought immense relief to his family and comrades.
Earlier on May 5, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had voiced concern over Shaw’s detention. Speaking about the matter, Banerjee said, “This is an extremely sad situation. His name is Sahu. Our party’s Kalyan Banerjee is in touch with the family members. I want he should be rescued as soon as possible. We have clearly said that our party is with the government on the issues of internal and external security. We are not doing divide and rule here.”
Shaw hails from Hooghly district in West Bengal, and his month-long absence had left his family distraught. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee had reportedly remained in regular contact with Shaw’s family, offering support during the crisis.
