Amritsar: After spending nearly three weeks in the custody of Pakistan Rangers, Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Sahu returned to India on Wednesday morning. His release came following an “understanding” reached between India and Pakistan earlier this month.
Sahu had inadvertently crossed the international border on April 23, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He was detained by Pakistani forces and remained in custody as diplomatic and military channels worked toward his release.
The handover took place at approximately 10:30 AM at the Joint Check Post at Attari-Wagah, Amritsar. BSF officials confirmed the return was carried out peacefully and as per established cross-border protocols.
“Today, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Sahu, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23, 2025, was handed over to India at about 1030 hours through the Joint Check Post Attari, Amritsar. The handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols,” officials stated.
The breakthrough followed an agreement between the two nations to de-escalate tensions along the border, reached on May 10. The agreement came in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike on terrorist infrastructure across the border on May 7, which led to heightened tensions and retaliatory actions from Pakistan.
Sahu’s family had been anxiously awaiting his return. His wife, Rajni, had earlier traveled to Ferozepur—where he was posted—and met with senior BSF officials, who assured her that every effort was being made to secure his safe return.
Multiple rounds of dialogue between the two border forces initially yielded no result. However, following the diplomatic understanding earlier this month, Pakistan agreed to release the jawan, marking a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing hostilities.
Sahu’s return brought immense relief to his family and was welcomed by BSF personnel and the local community.
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