Amid the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a wave of immense relief swept through the family of BSF jawan Purnam Shaw. On Tuesday morning, Bholenath Shaw, Purnam’s father, received official confirmation from BSF Headquarters that his son had been released by Pakistan on Wednesday morning at 10.30 am.
“I couldn’t believe it. Last evening at 7.30 pm, we were informed about his release,” Bholenath told The Indian Express over the phone from his residence in Rishra, Hooghly. “I want to thank the Indian Government, our Chief Minister, state leaders, and God for his release.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Facebook and wrote, “I am happy to receive the information that our Purnam Kumar Shaw, the BSF jawan, has been released. I had all along been in touch with his family and spoke thrice with his wife here at Rishra, Hooghly. I called her as well. All the very best wishes for… his entire family including his wife, Rajani Shaw.”
Purnam Shaw returned to India through the Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday evening. His father said Purnam is currently undergoing medical examinations and will be debriefed about his time in Pakistan before finally returning home to reunite with his family. “I’m all set to distribute sweets after this great news,” he added, jubilant.
This development comes after weeks of anxiety for the Shaw family. Purnam, a BSF constable from Rishra, had been taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers on April 23 after inadvertently crossing the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. His crossing came just a day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which had escalated border tensions.
“Today at 10.30 am, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was received from Pakistan by the BSF at the Attari-Wagah border. He had inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector on April 23, 2025, at around 11:50 am and was detained by Pakistan Rangers. His repatriation was made possible through persistent efforts by BSF, including regular flag meetings and communication with Pakistan Rangers,” read an official BSF statement on Wednesday.
Earlier, Purnam’s wife Rajani Shaw, who is pregnant, expressed her gratitude after receiving a call on Sunday from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “I’m extremely thankful to our Chief Minister, who personally called and spoke to me in detail. She said she had spoken with senior BSF officials and confirmed that my husband is in good health. That assurance was a great relief,” Rajani told The Indian Express.
“There is no doubt that he will continue to serve the country. For 17 years, he has been doing so. He will go back again. We are proud of India and everyone who serves the country. He will call at 3 pm from his phone, then I will be able to talk in detail. I think the border area was new to him; he was posted just five days before (he was taken into custody). The time was tough,” said Rajani.
Meanwhile, Bholenath spoke in support of Operation Sindoor. “The Indian government must launch more such operations aiming to end terrorism from the world. I am proud of the fact that my son gets a chance to do something for the country and I will continue to send him for the sake of the country,” he said.
Rajani also spoke of her earlier despair: “I had lost all hope,” she said, explaining her fear for her husband’s safety in a country with which India shares a tense relationship. However, Saturday’s ceasefire announcement had offered a glimmer of hope, renewing her faith in his safe return.
Kalyan Banerjee, TMC MP from the Serampore constituency, had been actively pushing for Purnam’s release, urging immediate government intervention. He contacted the BSF Director General and even reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office to expedite the process.
“The news of Purnam Shaw’s release ends a period of intense worry for the family. We are grateful for the diplomatic efforts and the recent ceasefire that facilitated his safe return. We eagerly await his arrival home,” said another family member.
BJP state President Sukanta Majumdar posted on X: “A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for once again proving that under your strong and decisive leadership, no Indian is ever left behind. Today, the safe return of BSF jawan Shri Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was in Pakistan’s custody since April 23, is not just a moment of relief—it’s a victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy, and pride…”
“Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. Smt (CM Mamata Banerjee) personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support during the ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones,” the All India Trinamool Congress posted on X.
Meanwhile, BJP IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya accused CM Mamata Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee of intimidating the family. “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, who represents Serampore, had no role in bringing BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw back from Pakistan — except for holding press conferences and pressuring the family to acknowledge them. Mamata Banerjee used similar intimidatory tactics with the parents of the RG Kar victim as well. The TMC is rotten to the core. It needs redemption,” he posted on X.