A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, who was accompanying farmers near the Punjab border, was detained by Pakistan Rangers after he moved ahead to rest in the shade, officials confirmed on April 24. The soldier, who is from West Bengal’s Hooghly, remains in Pakistani custody despite three rounds of flag meetings between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers. His wife, Rajani, is scheduled to visit Pathankot today with her two sisters and a cousin brother to push for his safe return, TOI reported.
The BSF constable, identified as 40-year-old Purnam Kumar Shaw, was in uniform and carrying his service rifle when he inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory. Although Pakistan detained him, authorities say they are refusing to release him, claiming they have no information about his whereabouts.
With efforts intensifying to secure his release as soon as possible, BSF units along the India-Pakistan border are on high alert. The BSF has also requested another commander-level flag meeting with the Pakistan Rangers, which is expected to be held soon.
“Senior officials from both sides are reportedly in communication to resolve the matter amicably,” officials privy to the development told the news agency ANI. The incident comes hot on the heels of the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of at least 26 people.
‘Cannot wait till eternity for his return’: Rajani
As Shaw, a soldier from the 182nd BSF battalion, remains in Pakistan’s custody, his wife, Rajani, told the media that there is no positive development on her husband’s return. “It has been four days since Pakistani forces captured him. We are in touch with BSF officials. But all they are saying is that meetings are being held. But there is no positive news. I don’t know when my husband will be back.”
Rajani, as per a TOI report, said, “I cannot sit and wait here till eternity. I have not heard from him for over 72 hours now,” adding that she got anxious after seeing a photo of her husband with a blindfold that Pakistan released.
“I have decided to visit Pathankot myself and plead with the BSF officers to ensure my husband’s safe return,” she continued, before adding, “I will personally appeal to everyone to help in this effort. I will reach out to the Prime Minister and the President to secure his release.”
Rajani, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child as per The Indian Express report quoting relatives, expressed, “I’m unsure whom to trust. We must ensure his return, and I am willing to knock on doors personally to make this happen.”
‘Last spoke to him on April 22’: Rajani
She also shared that a friend of her husband had called and informed her that Shaw had been “kidnapped” by Pakistani forces while on duty. “I spoke to him last Tuesday. For 17 years, he has been in service,” Rajani told reporters on Saturday. The couple has a seven-year-old child.
The soldier’s brother, Rajeshwar Pandey, said, “We have been told that release talks are on. The Central government and state government are making all efforts.”
Shaw’s mother also wants the safe return of her son, TOI reported.
Kalyan Banerjee dials BSF DG
Kalyan Banerjee, Trinamool Congress’s Lok Sabha MP from Serampore, said that he dialled BSF Director General Daljit Chaudhary, who assured him that the government is doing everything to bring back the soldier.
“I called up the BSF DG regarding Purnam Kumar Shaw, who is detained in Pakistan. He told me that all agencies and the Centre are making every possible effort to bring the jawan back. He said Pakistan is taking time, but ultimately, the jawan will be returned. He said Purnam is presently safe and in good health in Pakistan,” Banerjee told The Indian Express.
Sukanta Majumdar assures jawan’s safe return
Sukanta Majumdar posted on X (formerly Twitter) on April 25 that he had a conversation with Shaw’s family and assured them of his safe return. “I spoke directly with his family and assured them that they are not alone. The Government of India stands firmly with them. The Central Government is making every possible effort, both diplomatically and administratively, to bring this courageous soldier back to his homeland. We do not fear intimidation from anyone,” he wrote on X.
Majumdar added, “India stands resolutely beside every brave soldier. No one has the power to weaken our nation. Every child of Bharat Mata is our pride, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to protect their honour.”
The BSF is responsible for securing India’s 3,323-kilometre-long border with Pakistan, spanning Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the Line of Control), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This border remains one of India’s most sensitive and volatile due to its history of conflict and ongoing security challenges.
