BSF Jawan Purnam Shaw Released After Nearly Three Weeks in Pakistan Custody

In a major relief for India and the Border Security Force (BSF), Constable Purnam Shaw, who had been held in Pakistan for nearly three weeks, was released on Wednesday by the Pakistan Rangers. His release took place at the Attari-Wagah border at 10:30 a.m., following diplomatic and security-level engagement.

Shaw had inadvertently crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector on April 23, 2025, while on operational duty. This occurred just a day after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives.

In an official statement, the BSF confirmed, “Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was taken back from Pakistan at the Attari-Wagah border today. He had inadvertently crossed over during duty and was detained by Pakistani Rangers.”

His repatriation was conducted according to standard procedures and cross-border protocols. Upon return, he will undergo medical examinations to determine if he was subjected to any mistreatment or torture during captivity.

The incident and his eventual release unfolded against the backdrop of heightened military tension between India and Pakistan. Just days before Shaw’s release, both countries had reportedly agreed to halt military operations from May 10. This followed India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, which targeted terrorist bases across the border and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Shaw’s wife, Rajni, had visited Ferozepur and met senior BSF officers, urging them to intervene for his release. She was assured that all efforts were being made to bring him back safely.

The release of Constable Shaw has been welcomed as a positive step and a morale booster for security personnel, even as tensions between the two nations remain a concern.