Family members of Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who were released on Wednesday from Pakistan’s custody, have expressed immense relief and gratitude to the Central Government and BSF officials for his safe return.
The constable, a resident of Risra in Hooghly district of West Bengal, was handed over to the BSF by Pakistan Rangers via Attari-Wagha border in Punjab at 10:30 am. Shaw was caught by Rangers near the Indo-Pakistan International border in Ferozepur district on 23 April, a day after the Pahalgam terror attack.
A family member of Shaw told reporters, “Today we are very happy. We thank the Central Government and BSF officials for their efforts to bring them back safely. The last two weeks have been a sleepless and uncertainty for us.
A BSF spokesman said that the transfer process was concluded peacefully and according to the established protocol. He said that Shaw accidentally entered the Pakistani area during operation duty in Ferozepur sector on 23 April and was taken into custody by Pak Rangers.
Officials told PTI that the jawan would be fully physically examined and medical examination, followed by counseling and debrifling session, where BSF officers will ask him “relevant questions” about 21 days of custody.
He said that this jawan of the 24th BSF Battalion will not be included in active duty and he will also be part of the official investigation constituted by the Punjab Frontier of BSF, so that the order of capturing him by the Rangers can be checked and if there is any lapse, it can be detected.
Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukant Majumdar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to bring back the BSF jawan.
He thanked the paper “Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji once again, for proving that no Indian ever left behind under your strong and decisive leadership. Today, the safe return of BSF jawan Mr. Purna Kumar Shaw, who was in Pakistan’s custody since April 23, is not only a moment of relief – it is the victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy and national pride.
Mazumdar said in a post on X, “Your tireless commitment to the safety and respect of the nation has ensured justice and respect for our brave soldiers. Bharat Mata ki Jai! Jai Hind! Modi is Modi!”
The Trinamool Congress also welcomed his return and said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had personally approached Shaw’s wife during custody.
The party said in a post on X, “Finally came home. After several days of concern and uncertainty, BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw was finally sent back. Smt. Mamta Banerjee personally approached his wife several times, assured and supported them in this difficult time. We wish to overcome Purnam’s stroke which they will get peace and hope that they will get peace and hope that they will get peace.”
The constable’s wife Rajni went to Pathankot and Ferozepur last month to meet BSF officials and get information about their situation.
He said on Sunday, “The Chief Minister assured me to make every effort to bring my husband back. He also asked about my health and said that if necessary, the government will provide medical support to my elderly in -laws.”
