How Did the Family Celebrate the Return of BSF Jawan Purnam Shaw After His Three Weeks in Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Purnam Shaw was held captive by Pakistan Rangers for nearly three weeks.
- His return has been celebrated as a national victory.
- Shaw's family expressed their gratitude to Indian leaders.
- He will undergo medical assessments following his release.
- The incident highlights the ongoing challenges at the India-Pakistan border.
New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) A profound sense of relief and celebration enveloped the family of BSF constable Purnam Shaw in West Bengal as he made his return home after enduring almost three weeks in the captivity of Pakistan Rangers.
His wife and father expressed heartfelt appreciation to both central and state leaders, celebrating his release as a triumph for the nation and a demonstration of effective diplomatic efforts.
Shaw, stationed along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab's Ferozepur district, inadvertently crossed the international boundary on April 23 while on operational duty, just a day after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. He was later apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers.
In an emotional statement to IANS, his father, Bhola Nath Shaw, remarked, "After 23 days, my son is finally back. I am grateful to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister, Defence Minister, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for his return. I take pride in my son and encourage him to continue serving the country. However, we must respond decisively to the events in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam—there can be no tolerance for terrorism."
Shaw's wife, Rajani Shaw, echoed these feelings, applauding the collaborative efforts that facilitated her husband's safe return.
"This was a collective endeavor by PM Modi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the local administration. The Chief Minister had assured me of his safe return. I am relieved to see him healthy. During the tense atmosphere of potential conflict, I worried it might take longer, but thankfully, he’s home now."
The Border Security Force (BSF) verified Shaw’s return in an official statement: “Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been retrieved from Pakistan by the BSF at the Attari-Wagah border today at 1030 hrs. Shaw inadvertently crossed into Pakistan while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector on April 23, 2025, around 1150 hrs.”
This exchange adhered to established border protocols. Officials indicated that Shaw would undergo standard medical and debriefing procedures to evaluate his physical and mental well-being and to ascertain whether he faced any mistreatment during his time in detention.