Purnam Kumar Shaw, a 40-year-old BSF jawan, endured a grueling 21-day ordeal in Pakistani custody after inadvertently crossing the International Border (IB) in Punjab on April 23.

His release on May 14 at the Attari-Wagah border brought immense relief to his pregnant wife, Rajani, and family, who had feared the worst amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Shaw, a constable with the 24th BSF Battalion stationed in Ferozepur, was escorting farmers when he strayed across the border while seeking shelter. Arrested by Pakistani Rangers, he faced relentless interrogations, treated as a suspected spy rather than a soldier.

Also Read: Woken At 2.30am! Pakistan PM Confirms India’s Operation Sindoor Struck Nur Khan Air Base

In a heartfelt call to Rajani, Shaw recounted being denied sleep, bathroom breaks, and basic hygiene like brushing his teeth. Questioned nightly about BSF deployments and senior officers, he provided no information, adhering to protocol by carrying no phone. Moved blindfolded across three locations, including one near an airbase, Shaw suffered mental exhaustion but no physical torture.

“It was him, but he sounded so tired,” Rajani told the media, describing his sleep-deprived state. Shaw’s father, Bholanath, affirmed his resolve to continue serving, saying, “He’ll keep protecting our borders.”

Rajani expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee for their support in securing his release, which followed intense BSF-led negotiations and a May 10 ceasefire agreement.

Shaw’s return, alongside India’s release of a Pakistani Ranger, marks a rare de-escalation. Now undergoing debriefing, the Hooghly native remains a symbol of resilience. 

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Symbol of PM Modi's Resolve, India's Intelligence Precision, Says Amit Shah