In a diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan on Wednesday handed over Border Security Force (BSF) constable Purnam Kumar Shaw. The BSF constable was returned to the Indian authorities after 20 days in Pakistan army’s custody. The handover took place at around 10:30 am at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab. This comes just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following a four-day military conflict.

Shaw Detained After Accidental Border Crossing

According to reports BSF constable Shaw is a resident of Hooghly in West Bengal. He was posted with the BSF’s 182nd Battalion, was apprehended by Pakistan Rangers on April 23. He reportedly crossed the international border inadvertently.

This comes as Shaw was escorting a group of Indian farmers harvesting wheat in the Mamdot block of Ferozepur district, Punjab. According to BSF officials, Shaw, who was armed and in uniform. He moved towards a shaded area to rest and unknowingly stepped across the Zero Line into Pakistani territory.

First Deployment and Confusing Terrain

Shaw was newly posted to the border region on April 10. This makes his first official deployment in the Ferozepur sector. The BSF officials explained that the geographical layout of the region often confuses new personnel. The farmlands in this region stretch up to 150 meters beyond the border fence but remain Indian territory.

The farmers are allowed access under BSF supervision during the harvest season. However, in this case, only Shaw inadvertently crossed into Pakistan, while the farmers stayed behind.

Delayed Return Amid Border Tensions

According to reports Shaw’s detention occurred a day after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. This incident led to heightened tensions between the two countries’ India-Pakistan. Soon tensions escalated on the border; this may have contributed to the delay in securing Shaw’s release.

Pakistan initially remained unresponsive despite repeated pleas from Indian authorities, to release the officer. The BSF officials maintained communication with Pakistan Rangers through flag meetings and other official channels to push for his repatriation.

BSF Confirms Peaceful Handover

In an official statement, the BSF said, “Today at 10:30 hrs, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by the BSF at the Attari – Wagha border. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the area of Ferozepur sector on 23rd April 2025 around 11:50 hrs and was detained by Pak Rangers.”

“With the consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels, repatriation of BSF Constable has become possible,” it added.