A BSF constable, who was in Pakistani custody for three weeks, returned to India Wednesday after the two countries swapped a prisoner each at the Wagah-Attari border.
Officials said Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, from Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, was detained on April 23 — a day after the Pahalgam terror attack — after he inadvertently entered Pakistani territory in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector. He was handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border.
In exchange, Muhammadullah of the Pakistan Rangers who had also crossed into India and had been detained by the BSF, was handed over to Pakistani officials.
The swapping of the two paramilitary personnel took place two days after the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan discussed the two men in each other’s custody during the talks on reducing troops from forward locations.
On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met in New Delhi. This was the first meeting of the CCS following the cessation of military strikes by India and Pakistan.
Shaw was released at 10.30 am Wednesday, the BSF said in a statement. “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 the BSF, including regular flag meetings and communication with Pakistan Rangers,” the BSF said in a statement.
For his family, which spent days petitioning the government for his release, the development came as a huge relief.
“I couldn’t believe it. We were informed about his release at 7.30 pm last evening. I want to thank the Government of India, our Chief Minister, state leaders, and God for his release. I am all set to distribute sweets after this great news,” Shaw’s father Bholenath told The Indian Express over phone from his residence in Rishra, adding that his son was currently undergoing medical examinations and would be debriefed before finally returning home.
Shaw’s wife Rajani, who is pregnant, said she received a call about his release from Chief Minister Banerjee Monday.
“I am extremely thankful to our Chief Minister, who personally called and spoke to me in detail. She said she had spoken with senior BSF officers and confirmed that my husband is in good health. That assurance was a great relief,” Rajani said.
Both the ruling TMC and Opposition BJP welcomed the development.
In a post on Facebook Wednesday, CM Banerjee said she was “happy” to know about Shaw’s release. “I had been in touch with his family all along 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,” the post said.
Kalyan Banerjee, TMC MP from Serampore constituency who had been actively pushing for Shaw’s release, also posted a similar message. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to DG BSF, all government officials, the Honourable Prime Minister, the Honourable Defence Minister, and our compassionate Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, for ensuring the safe return of Purnam Shaw…,” he said on X.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar wrote 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… it’s a victory of India’s resolve, diplomacy, and pride.”