What began as a routine border patrol on April 23 took a distressing turn for BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw when he mistakenly crossed the International Border into Pakistan’s territory in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector. A member of the 24th BSF battalion, Shaw was deployed as part of the ‘Kisan Guard’ unit, which provides protection to Indian farmers near the sensitive border region. According to sources, Shaw lost his bearings during his patrol and inadvertently crossed the fence, following which he was immediately apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers. His unintentional crossing triggered a diplomatic episode during a tense phase in India-Pakistan relations, coming just days before India’s massive cross-border military operation, Operation Sindoor.

Blindfolded and Isolated: The Harsh Reality of Captivity

For the next 21 days, Shaw faced mental and emotional torment at the hands of Pakistani authorities. Though reports confirm he was not physically assaulted, Shaw was blindfolded for long durations, moved between three undisclosed locations, and denied basic hygiene—he wasn’t even allowed to brush his teeth. At one of the holding facilities, located near a Pakistani airbase, Shaw recalled hearing frequent aircraft activity, hinting at the high-security nature of the area. In another instance, he was locked up in a jail cell, cut off from the outside world. He was subjected to hours of verbal abuse and deprived of sleep, designed to break his morale and extract sensitive information about Indian security forces.

Intelligence Interrogation: What Pakistan Wanted to Know

While in captivity, Shaw was interrogated by Pakistani officials—many dressed in civilian attire—about BSF troop deployments, senior officers stationed along the border, and operational strategies. The Pakistani side hoped to gather actionable intelligence on India’s defensive posture following the recent hostilities. Fortunately, Shaw had adhered to BSF protocols and was not carrying a mobile phone, which limited the personal and operational data he could provide. His inability to give up sensitive information despite psychological pressure and intimidation demonstrates the professionalism and discipline instilled in India’s border forces.

Repatriation at Attari-Wagah and Emotional Reunion

After intense diplomatic backchannel communication, Pakistan finally handed over Shaw to Indian authorities on May 14 at the Attari-Wagah border. Upon his return, he underwent a thorough debriefing by Indian security agencies. His clothes, which could have been tampered with or bugged, were examined and destroyed as per standard protocol. Shaw was allowed to contact his family, offering them much-needed relief after nearly three weeks of anxious waiting. He has been reported to be in stable physical and mental health, though the trauma of captivity is something that will likely stay with him for life. His family, hailing from Hooghly district in West Bengal, expressed gratitude for his safe return.

A Tense Backdrop: Operation Sindoor and the Ceasefire Agreement

Shaw’s release occurred shortly after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted nine terror camps associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the aftermath of the operation, both nations agreed to a ceasefire following several days of cross-border hostilities. Shaw’s captivity became a matter of national concern during this time, adding emotional weight to the already tense diplomatic situation. His safe return is seen not just as a personal victory, but also as a reminder of the risks faced daily by India’s border defenders and the fragile nature of peace along the Line of Control and International Border.

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Source : indiatoday.in