After nearly two weeks of tense diplomatic negotiations and persistent efforts by the Border Security Force (BSF), Constable Purnam Kumar Sahu, who was detained by Pakistan Rangers, has returned to India. The BSF jawan was handed over at approximately 10:30 AM today, May 14, 2025, via the Joint Check Post (JCP) at Attari, Amritsar. This development brings immense relief to his family, colleagues, and the nation.
Constable Sahu, who serves with the 182nd Battalion of the BSF, was taken into custody on April 23, 2025, after he inadvertently crossed the international border in the Ferozepur district of Punjab. Reports indicate that Sahu was accompanying a group of farmers who were working on fields near the border fence when he stopped to rest under a tree and unknowingly crossed into Pakistani territory. The incident occurred a day after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which had already heightened tensions between the two countries.
The news of Sahu's detention sparked immediate concern, with his family in West Bengal's Hooghly district expressing deep anxiety. His wife, Rajani, and his parents, Bholanath Sahu and mother, fervently appealed to the government to ensure his safe return. Bholanath Sahu mentioned that the commanding officer of his son's battalion had contacted him to inform him of the situation.
Upon learning of the incident, the BSF immediately initiated efforts to secure Sahu's release. Flag meetings were held between BSF and Pakistan Rangers officials to discuss the matter. The BSF also alerted all its formations and directed them to maintain heightened vigilance along the 2,289-kilometer India-Pakistan border, stretching from Jammu to Gujarat.
Initially, the Pakistan Rangers' response was not positive, and they reportedly refused to hand over the jawan, claiming to have no information about his whereabouts. This prompted further diplomatic intervention, with the Ministry of External Affairs engaging in back-channel talks with Islamabad to expedite the process. Concerns about Sahu's well-being grew as the days passed, especially given the already strained relations between India and Pakistan.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her concern and assured Sahu's family of the state government's support. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee remained in contact with the family, and the state government conveyed its hopes for Sahu's swift return.
After days of negotiations and diplomatic communications, Pakistan finally agreed to repatriate Sahu. The handover at the Attari-Wagah border was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established military and diplomatic protocols. BSF officials received Sahu with full honors, and medical teams were present to conduct an initial health assessment. He appeared to be in good health and mentally stable, but he has been transferred to a BSF medical facility for further evaluation and debriefing, as per standard procedure.
The safe return of Purnam Kumar Sahu is a testament to the sustained diplomatic and security efforts undertaken by India. It also underscores the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between the two countries, even during periods of heightened tension. While the incident highlights the potential for inadvertent border crossings, it also demonstrates the effectiveness of established protocols in resolving such situations peacefully.
