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“Like a second life for me…”: BSF Jawan Returns to Home to Bengal After 21 Days in Pakistan Custody
After spending over three weeks in the custody of Pakistan Rangers, Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw returned home to a hero’s welcome in West Bengal on Friday.
Shaw, a member of the 24th Battalion of the BSF, was reunited with his family exactly a month after he was detained by Pakistani forces. He had accidentally crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector on 23 April, just a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
As he arrived at Howrah railway station, a large crowd of supporters and family members had gathered to greet him. “It is all because of your blessings and good wishes that I have been able to come back,” said Purnam Kumar Shaw. He expressed deep gratitude and relief adding, “This is like a second life for me.”
Reflecting on his ordeal, he remarked, “Our soldiers should not be afraid. We have to guard the border day and night. If we are afraid, what will happen to the countrymen? I was not afraid. But I was worried about home.”
In a touching moment, Purnam’s father, Bholanath Shaw, embraced his son tightly as the crowd around them erupted in cheers. Both father and son were seen moved to tears during the heartfelt reunion.
After reaching his home in Rishra, Hooghly, Shaw had an emotional reunion with his family, including his pregnant wife, Rajni, who had tirelessly campaigned for his safe return. The entire locality of Rishra had been transformed for the occasion. Homes were adorned with banners and posters praising Shaw’s bravery, while his family home was decked out for a grand celebration.
“We have decorated the whole town,” said his wife. “It feels like Deepavali for us. Purnam is like Lord Ram returning from vanvaas (exile). I want to forget the nightmare of his detention and now focus on the arrival of our child.”
Shaw was on duty near the border on 23 April, assisting local farmers. Reportedly exhausted, he fell asleep under a tree and inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory. He was immediately detained by the Pakistan Rangers.
He spent 21 days in custody, before being repatriated to India on 14 May at the Attari-Wagah border. His release was the result of sustained diplomatic and military efforts, including flag meetings between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers.
Upon his return, Shaw underwent comprehensive medical examinations and completed all necessary government formalities before being cleared to go home.
