BSF Jawan Poornam Kumar Shaw returns home after 21 days in Pakistan custody

Pakistan releases detained BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw

Nearly three weeks after he accidentally crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Poornam Kumar Shaw was safely handed over to India by the Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday morning at around 10:30 AM through the Joint Check Post at Attari, Amritsar.

Peaceful handover after diplomatic efforts

The BSF confirmed that the handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols.

“With the consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels, the repatriation has become possible,” the BSF stated.

Shaw, aged 40, a resident of Rishra, Hooghly in West Bengal, had been in Pakistan’s custody since April 23, 2025, after he inadvertently crossed the border while on patrol duty near the Ferozepur sector, where the 73rd Battalion of BSF is deployed. The incident occurred just a day after the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, further escalating border tensions.

Family and political reactions

Shaw’s family, who had been anxiously awaiting his return, expressed immense relief. His father, Bholenath Shaw, shared his reaction: “I couldn’t believe it when the BSF Headquarters confirmed his release,” he said.

The incident had drawn attention at the political level, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing concern over the situation. On May 5, she had called the incident “extremely sad” and assured that Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee was in touch with the family.

Banerjee further stated, “We are not doing divide and rule here. Our party is with the government on issues of internal and external security. I want him to be rescued as soon as possible.”

Background: The BSF and the India-Pakistan border

The Border Security Force (BSF) is India’s primary force tasked with guarding the sensitive 3,323-kilometre-long India-Pakistan border, covering Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

This border remains one of the most volatile and sensitive frontiers globally, given the longstanding historical tensions, ongoing security challenges, and terror threats.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the BSF had issued strict advisories to its personnel to maintain high alertness and vigilance during patrol duties, underscoring the volatile security environment at the time of Shaw’s accidental crossing.

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