Amritsar, May 14 — In a significant diplomatic and security development, Pakistan on Wednesday handed over Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw to Indian authorities, 21 days after he was apprehended from the International Border in Punjab's Ferozepur sector.
Handover at Attari-Wagah Border
The official handover occurred at 10:30 am at the Joint Check Post (JCP) in Attari, Amritsar, opposite Pakistan’s Wagah border. A BSF spokesperson confirmed the peaceful repatriation: "Today at 1030 hours, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari-Wagah border.” The exchange was conducted in line with established border protocols.A photograph released by the BSF showed Shaw with a beard and disheveled hair, dressed in a dark green round-neck T-shirt.
Circumstances of Apprehension
Shaw, a member of the 24th BSF battalion, had "inadvertently" crossed into Pakistani territory on April 23 at approximately 11:50 am while on operational duty. According to officials, he was part of the ‘Kisan Guard’ detail deployed to safeguard Indian farmers cultivating land ahead of the border fence. It is believed that he misjudged the International Border's alignment and crossed over while seeking shade under a tree.His detention occurred a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, further heightening tensions between the two nations.
Post-Repatriation Procedures and Inquiry
Shaw will undergo a full body check-up and medical evaluation after his return. BSF authorities will also conduct counselling and a debriefing session to gather details about his 21-day detention by Pakistani Rangers.He will not be immediately reinstated into active duty. He will be involved in an official inquiry led by the BSF Punjab Frontier to investigate the circumstances of his apprehension and assess if there were any lapses.
Diplomatic Coordination Enabled Return
BSF officials credited “consistent efforts” through regular flag meetings and communication channels with the Pakistan Rangers for facilitating Shaw’s repatriation.Family's Long Wait Ends
Shaw hails from Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district. During his detention, his wife was in regular contact with BSF officials and the media, seeking updates and pushing for his early release amid the heightened military standoff triggered by Operation Sindoor.The incident underscores the fragile yet functioning communication lines between India and Pakistan’s border forces, even during periods of heightened tension.