BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, 40, who returned to India on May 14, after being released by Pakistan Rangers, reached his residence in the Hooghly district on Friday evening.
Shaw, 40, was detained on April 23 by Pakistan Rangers after he inadvertently crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, a day after terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir. He was held captive for nearly three weeks.
Dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, with garland adorning his neck and a mask on his face, Shaw received an emotional reception by his family and well-wishers at the Howrah station, with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
In a heartwarming moment, Purnam’s father Bholanath Shaw, warmly embraced and hugged his son, amidst a cheering crowd, bringing both of them to tears of joy.
On Friday, Purnam’s car stopped at a shop in Liluah while he was traveling home from Howrah to Rishra in Hooghly. Expressing gratitude the BSF constable said: “Thank you all. With everyone’s blessings, I have a second birth. I got to see all my family members.”
Before reaching home, Purnam shared a powerful message: “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.”
A celebratory procession with a band escorted him from Baghkal to his residence.
Purnam’s wife, Rajani Shaw, expressed immense relief and joy, saying: “It feels great that he has returned after so many days. We have prepared his favourite food items, luchi-curry, curd-sweets and more.”
Purnam’s crossing into Pakistan on April 23 took place while he was accompanying farmers near the border. Exhausted, he reportedly fell asleep under a tree and unknowingly drifted into Pakistani territory, where he was detained. After spending 21 days in custody, Purnam’s return to India was facilitated through persistent diplomatic and military efforts by the BSF, including regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers. He was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border last Wednesday. Purnam underwent thorough health check-ups and completed necessary government formalities to receive final clearance.