In a recent event, an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) jawan named Poornam Kumar Shaw was returned to India after being detained by the Pakistani Rangers for 21 days. Shaw accidentally crossed the international border between India and Pakistan while on patrol on April 23, 2025, just a day after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
On April 23, while carrying out his duties near the Ferozepur sector in Punjab, BSF jawan Shaw crossed the border without meaning to. The Pakistani Rangers caught him immediately and took him into custody for questioning. After Shaw went missing, the BSF reached out to the Pakistani Rangers and confirmed that he was detained in Pakistan.
After Shaw’s detention, there was a strong push from various officials and the public in India to bring him back home safely. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the central government for his swift return. The BSF worked diligently, communicating with the Pakistani Rangers through regular meetings and other channels to ensure Shaw’s safe release.
On May 14, about three weeks after his capture, Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Joint Check Post at Attari in Amritsar. The handover process was smooth and followed standard protocols. Shaw’s father expressed immense relief upon hearing the news of his son’s return, saying, “I couldn’t believe it.”
