The recent release of Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has brought to light the harsh conditions faced by Indian soldiers captured across the border. Purnam Kumar Shaw, who inadvertently entered Pakistani territory in Punjab on April 23, spent 21 days in captivity under stressful and degrading conditions.
His return on May 14 marked the end of a deeply tense and emotionally charged chapter, not only for his family but also for India’s border security apparatus, already under immense pressure following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that had occurred just a day earlier.
A Mistake, Then Captivity
Purnam Kumar Shaw, a member of the BSF’s 24th Battalion, was deployed in the Ferozepur sector of Punjab — a stretch of the Indo-Pak border marked by both dense farmland and unpredictable terrain. On the day of the incident, he was escorting farmers along the fence line when he stepped over the border, allegedly in search of shade under a tree. This single step turned into a 21-day ordeal when Pakistani Rangers arrested him on the spot.
While accidental border crossings have occurred in the past and are usually resolved through routine flag meetings, this case unfolded in the immediate aftermath of one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The timing significantly complicated his release.
Mental Torture Behind Closed Doors
Following his return, Purnam Kumar Shaw opened up to his wife, Rajani, about the trauma he faced while in captivity. He was not subjected to physical torture, but the psychological torment he experienced was severe. Denied basic human necessities like bathroom access and sleep, Purnam Kumar Shaw was repeatedly interrogated and kept under constant stress.
He told his family that he was not allowed to brush his teeth and was made to stay awake for long hours, leaving him exhausted and mentally shaken. Most of the time, he was blindfolded and transferred between three undisclosed locations — one of which he believed was close to an airbase, judging by the sound of jets flying overhead. In one location, he was kept in a jail cell.
Throughout his detention, Purnam Kumar Shaw said he was treated more like a suspected spy than a soldier. Men in civilian clothing questioned him about BSF deployments, details of senior officers, and tried to extract contact information. However, as per protocol, Purnam Kumar Shaw was not carrying a mobile phone, so he could not provide any numbers.
A Family in Agony
Back home in Hooghly, West Bengal, Purnam Kumar Shaw’s family lived through three agonising weeks of uncertainty. His wife, who is currently pregnant, travelled to Ferozepur with their young son and other relatives to seek updates from his unit’s commanding officer. The information remained vague: officials confirmed that talks were ongoing, but there was no assurance of when he would return.
The situation took a further turn when India launched Operation Sindoor — a large-scale retaliatory air operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. This escalated hostilities and significantly delayed Purnam Kumar Shaw’s repatriation. Repeated efforts by Indian officials to retrieve him were met with vague responses from across the border: “We are waiting for directions from the higher-ups.”
Political Pressure Mounts
As the wait extended, political and public voices began demanding answers. In West Bengal, local representatives publicly urged authorities to prioritise Purnam Kumar Shaw’s return. Meanwhile, the jawan’s family remained glued to television updates, hoping for some positive news.
Relief finally came when India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to pause military operations along the Line of Control and the International Border. Four days later, SPurnam Kumar haw walked back to Indian soil via the Attari-Wagah border, bringing immense relief to his anxious family.
Debrief and Recovery
On return, Purnam Kumar Shaw was subjected to a formal debriefing — standard protocol in such cases — and was found to be physically stable. His mental state, although affected, was reportedly under control. The clothes he wore during detention were inspected and destroyed, following security procedures.
Despite everything he endured, Purnam Kumar Shaw’s family remains proud of his service. His wife expressed gratitude to those who facilitated his return, including the top political leadership in the state and centre. His father, Bholanath Purnam Kumar Shaw, reiterated that his son’s spirit to serve the country remains undeterred.
“He will again go back to protect our country,” he said.
A Delicate Diplomatic Episode
This incident underscores how even minor missteps at the border can turn into major diplomatic flashpoints, especially when relations between India and Pakistan are already strained. Under normal conditions, Purnam Kumar Shaw’s return could have happened within a day. Instead, rising tensions, a terror attack, and retaliatory strikes meant that a soldier who simply sought shelter under a tree had to spend three weeks in enemy custody — enduring interrogation, humiliation, and deep mental anguish.
