Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 14: In a significant development, Purnam Kumar Shaw, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan who was detained by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the International Border, has been handed over to Indian authorities. The handover took place at the Attari check post, Amritsar, on May 14.

Shaw, 40, a resident of Hooghly in West Bengal, had inadvertently crossed into Pakistan on April 23 while on duty in Punjab’s Firozpur sector. This incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened border tensions following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The attack had raised security concerns, causing a delay in Shaw’s release.

The BSF confirmed in a statement that Shaw’s handover occurred around 10:30 am, conducted in a peaceful manner and following the established protocols for such situations. Shaw, who has been with the BSF for 17 years, was in his uniform and carrying his service rifle when he inadvertently crossed the border.

While incidents of BSF personnel accidentally crossing into Pakistan during patrols are not uncommon, the delay in Shaw's return had been attributed to the tense situation on the border after the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan had initially not responded to requests for a flag meeting, leading to the delay.

Following Shaw’s detention, his wife Rajani, who is pregnant, along with their seven-year-old son, traveled to Chandigarh to gather information about efforts being made to bring him back. The BSF is tasked with securing the 3,323 km-long India-Pakistan border, and such incidents are usually resolved through diplomatic channels and meetings between the two nations.