Overwhelmed with relief, the pregnant wife and family members of Purnam Kumar Shaw, the Border Security Force (BSF) jawan who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23, expressed their gratitude towards the central government and BSF authorities for their efforts in securing his safe return.
“We are very happy today. We thank the central government and BSF for their tireless efforts. These past three weeks were filled with sleepless nights and anxiety. Now, I am eagerly waiting to speak with him and welcome him home,” said Purnam’s wife, Rajni.
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When asked if she would support her husband returning to duty along the India-Pakistan border, Rajni replied, “We would all feel proud. He is serving our motherland, and I am the wife of a soldier who stands guard for the nation. Joining the armed forces was his lifelong dream. Even before becoming a BSF constable, he would wake up at 4 in the morning and follow a strict physical training routine to prepare himself.”
Rajni had previously travelled to Pathankot and Ferozepur to meet BSF officials and inquire about her husband’s well-being. She also received personal support from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the ordeal.
Mamata expressed her happiness on the social media platform X, saying, “I am happy to receive the information that our BSF jawan, Purnam Kumar Shaw, has been released. I had been in regular contact with his wife here in Rishra. Today, I also called her again. All the best wishes to my brother-like jawan and his family.”
Also read: Political parties welcome repatriation of BSF constable
The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) also issued a statement: “Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. Mamata Banerjee personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones.”
Meanwhile, BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful repatriation.
“A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for once again proving that under your strong and decisive leadership, no Indian is ever left behind. This is not just a moment of relief — it's a victory of India's resolve, diplomacy, and national pride,” Majumdar posted on X.
A statement from the BSF confirmed that the handover was conducted peacefully and in line with established protocols.
“Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector on April 23 at around 11:50 hrs and was detained by Pakistan Rangers. With consistent efforts through flag meetings and communication channels, his repatriation was secured,” read an official statement from the BSF Punjab Frontier.
Following his return, Shaw will undergo a complete medical check-up, counselling, and a debriefing session. Officials stated that he would not immediately return to active duty and would be part of an internal inquiry to determine the circumstances and any lapses related to the incident.
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