Great relief for us, thank Centre for securing his release from Pakistani custody: BSF jawan's family

BSF constable released by Pakistan, family expresses gratitude to government for safe return after 21-day detention.

The family members of Border Security Force constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, (also spelt as ‘Sahu’) who was released by Pakistan from its custody on Wednesday (May 14, 2025), expressed immense relief and gratitude to the Central Government and BSF authorities for securing his return.

The constable, who hails from Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, was handed over to the BSF by Pakistan Rangers at 10:30 am via the Attari-Wagah border front in Punjab. Mr. Sahu was apprehended by the Rangers on April 23 from along the India-Pakistan International Border in Ferozepur district, a day after the Pahalgam terror attack.

“We are very happy today. We thank the Central Government and the BSF authorities for their efforts in safely bringing him back. The past two weeks have been filled with sleepless nights and uncertainty for us. We were constantly worried about his well-being,” a family member of Mr. Sahu told reporters.

“We are now eagerly waiting to speak to him and see him in person. Our prayers have finally been answered,” he said.

A BSF spokesperson said the handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols.

Mr. Sahu had "inadvertently" crossed over to Pakistan territory while on operational duty in the area of Ferozepur sector on April 23 and detained by Pak Rangers, he said.

Officials told PTI that the jawan will undergo a full body check-up and medical test followed by a counselling and 'debriefing' session where he will be asked "relevant questions" by BSF officials about his 21-day detention.