After spending 20 harrowing days in Pakistani custody, BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally revealed the unimaginable torture he faced. Shaw, who accidentally crossed the India-Pakistan international border while on duty, was detained by the Pakistani Rangers and handed back to Indian authorities on May 14. But the mental and physical scars from those 20 days will take much longer to heal.
😰 Blindfolded, Deprived of Sleep, and Constantly Moved—A Psychological Assault
According to official sources, Shaw endured severe physical and mental torture during his time in Pakistani custody.
He was not allowed to brush his teeth or maintain hygiene.
Sleep was denied for days on end.
He was blindfolded and moved frequently to unknown locations.
Sometimes, he was thrown into jail cells; other times, taken near air bases where the sounds of fighter jets were blasted to simulate wartime fear and disorient him.
🕵️ Interrogated by ISI Officers in Civilian Clothes
Most of the interrogators from Pakistan’s intelligence services were dressed in plain civilian clothes, making them hard to identify.
They questioned Shaw about senior BSF and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officers, probing him for sensitive information.
BSF sources say this relentless mental pressure left Shaw deeply traumatized.
🔥 Accidental Crossing Amid Tensions Post-Terror Attack
Shaw, who has served in the Border Security Force for 16 years, was posted in the Firozpur sector of Punjab.
The day after a terror attack in Pahalgam, while on patrol, Shaw mistakenly crossed into Pakistan.
This was around the time when India launched “Operation Sindoor”, a counter-offensive targeting terror camps.
In response, Pakistan retaliated with shelling, making Shaw’s disappearance even more worrisome for his family and the Indian defense forces.
🇮🇳 Repatriated but Scarred
On May 14 at 10:30 AM, Shaw was returned to India via the Atari-Wagah border.
As per BSF protocol:
His uniform was destroyed.
He underwent medical evaluation and psychological counseling.
Though back home, the trauma from his captivity lingers.
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