BSF Jawan Purnam Shaw Returns Home In Bengal After Being Detained By Pakistan Rangers

SOURCE ; NEW18

Last Updated:May 23, 2025, 23:01 IST

Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, casting greater uncertainty over Purnam’s release.

Excitement filled the air after Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Shaw, who was detained by Pakistan, returned to his home in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Friday.

Shaw accidentally crossed the international border and returned to his residence in Rishra, where everyone was overjoyed and emotional.

He was warmly received by his father, Bholanath Shaw, who embraced his son amidst a large crowd in Howrah in the evening.

Purnam was felicitated with a garland and then taken to Rishra in a car, before transferring to an open-top vehicle for the final stretch. A grand procession, led by a marching band, accompanied him to celebrate his homecoming.

His home was decked out like a Diwali celebration, with electric lights and oil lamps illuminating the entire house. A sea of neighbours, relatives, and friends had gathered to warmly welcome him back.

“We are overjoyed. He has come back home exactly a month after detention. It’s Diwali for us and we feel our Ram has returned,” Purnam’s wife Rajani Shaw was seen saying to the local media.

She had been busy cooking her husband’s favourite meal since morning. Amidst the ordeal, she had even travelled to Pathankot to push for his swift and safe return, and had personally spoken with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

Purnam had been escorting farmers near the border on April 23. Exhausted during duty, he reportedly fell asleep under a tree, without realising that he had entered Pakistani territory, where he was subsequently detained.

Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, casting greater uncertainty over Purnam’s release.

However, due to the BSF’s consistent efforts through regular flag meetings and communication with their counterparts on the other side, the Pakistan Rangers, the Indian soldier returned to his homeland on May 14.

After being repatriated, Purnam underwent comprehensive medical checks to evaluate his physical and mental state and to document alleged abuse during his time in Pakistan. Nine days post-return, he finally reunited with his family at home.

Location :

West Bengal, India, India

First Published:

May 23, 2025, 22:54 IST