Pakistan hands over Indian officer at Attari border

Pakistan has handed over Border Security Force (BSF) official Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was reportedly apprehended in Pakistan on April 23, 2025, to India at the Attari/ Wagah border, days after the two nuclear-armed countries agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday, easing the military escalation between them. 

According to media reports, Purnam Kumar Shaw, 34 years old, was appointed to the 24th Battalion in the BSF in Firozpur, Punjab, on April 23 just a day after 26 Indian tourists were killed by millitants in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in Pahalgam.

He was reportedly apprehended by Pakistani Rangers in Kasur area after he crossed the border.

Indian media reports that Purnam’s last call to his wife Rajani Sau was on the night of April 22, hours before his arrest, when he checked in on her health, as he often did after night shifts.

“BSF officers visited our home and told us they are trying to bring my husband back. But now the situation is like a war. I don’t know what news will come next!” Rajani was quoted as saying by The Wire on Sunday.

“So many days have passed, and there’s still no word from him,” she said.

Purnam’s father, Bhola Sau, a retired security guard, voiced frustration at the silence following initial military assurances.

“We went to Firozpur with my daughter-in-law, and the army officers promised they were trying. Now, there’s no update. If we could reach the Prime Minister, we would beg for our son’s return.”

Sau’s mother said, “My son has served the nation for 18 years. Today, we feel abandoned.”