After 20 days in Pakistani custody, BSF constable Purnam Kumar Saun, a resident of Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, has finally returned home. On Wednesday morning at around 10:30 AM, he was repatriated to India through the Attari-Wagah border. The Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed his return, stating that continuous diplomatic discussions and a successful flag meeting with Pakistan Rangers led to his release.
How It All Started
The incident dates back to April 23, a day after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. While posted in Pathankot, Punjab with the 24th Battalion of the BSF, Purnam accidentally crossed the international border and was resting under a tree when he was apprehended by Pakistan Rangers.
Typically, such incidents are resolved through flag meetings between the border forces of both nations, leading to the swift return of personnel. However, in this case, Pakistan initially refused to release Purnam.
Family’s Struggle and Political Support
Purnam’s wife, Rajani Saun, along with their 8-year-old son and other relatives, rushed to the BSF headquarters in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh on April 28 to appeal for help. They also visited Purnam’s workplace in Firozpur, Punjab, and attempted to reach the border, but were stopped due to security concerns.
Back home, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally called the family to assure them of her support, stating that Purnam would be brought back soon. Central Minister Satish Chandra Dubey, speaking at a BJP program in Uttarpara, promised that “Purnam will be brought back just like Abhinandan.”
Echoes of Abhinandan Varthaman’s Case
The incident drew parallels with the high-profile capture and return of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. In 2019, after India’s airstrike on Balakot on February 26, Abhinandan chased a Pakistani F-16 across the LoC in his MiG-21 Bison and was captured after being shot down. He was later released by Pakistan under global diplomatic pressure.
Like Abhinandan, Purnam’s case symbolizes bravery, international diplomacy, and the relentless efforts of the Indian forces and government to bring their personnel back home.
Current Scenario: A Pakistani Ranger Held in India
In a parallel development, a Pakistani Ranger has been reportedly captured by the BSF in Rajasthan for crossing the Indian border. However, there is no official word yet on whether India is planning to repatriate him.
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