The Pakistan government has repatriated India’s Border Security Force Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw. The BSF Constable had accidently crossed the border during his duty on April 23 and had been in the custody of the Pakistan Rangers, a statement from the Public Relations Officer, Punjab Frontier, Border Security Force said.
According to the BSF statement release, “Today at 1030 hrs Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari – Wagha border. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory, while on operational duty in area of Ferozepur sector on April 23, 2025 around 1150 hrs and detained by Pak Rangers. With the consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels, the repatriation of BSF Constable has become possible.”
Today at 1030 hrs Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari – Wagha border. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory, while on operational duty in area of Ferozepur sector on 23rd April 2025 around 1150… pic.twitter.com/0S1KVrfOSL
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2025
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, stating:
“A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for once again showing that under your strong and decisive leadership, no Indian is ever left behind. The safe return of @BSF_India jawan Shri Purnam Kumar Shaw, held in Pakistan’s custody since April 23, is more than just a moment of relief—it is a testament to India’s unwavering resolve, diplomatic strength, and national pride. Your steadfast commitment to the security and dignity of our soldiers has ensured both justice and honour.”
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…
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) May 14, 2025
BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw of the 182nd Battalion was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23 after he inadvertently crossed the International Border near Ferozepur, Punjab, during an operational deployment.
According to official sources, Shaw was on duty near the border fence, dressed in uniform and carrying his service rifle, when he reportedly moved towards a shaded area to rest amid intense heat. In doing so, he unknowingly stepped into Pakistani territory, where he was immediately apprehended by Pakistan Rangers.
Following the incident, a flag meeting was initiated between officials of the BSF and Pakistan Rangers to address the situation and negotiate the jawan’s safe return. Coordination between both sides continued over the following weeks, ultimately leading to Shaw’s repatriation on May 14 through the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post.
The BSF is the primary force responsible for guarding the 3,323 km long India-Pakistan border, spanning the states of Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the LoC), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This border is one of the most sensitive and volatile in the country, due to historical tensions and ongoing security challenges.
