Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally reached out to the family of BSF head constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been held in Pakistani custody since April 23, reassuring them of all possible efforts for his safe return. Shaw, 37, a resident of Rishra in Hooghly district and a member of the BSF’s 182nd battalion, had “inadvertently” crossed the international border near Firozpur and was taken captive by the Pakistan Rangers.
On Sunday, Mamata Banerjee spoke over the phone with Rajni Shaw, Purnam’s wife, who is currently three months pregnant and mother to an eight-year-old son. The Chief Minister reportedly assured her that she had already spoken to top BSF officials and that a meeting was scheduled for the following day to expedite the jawan’s release.
“Didi called me up today and said she was doing everything possible for my husband’s release. She even asked about my health and advised me to reach out to our local MP Kalyan Banerjee if I needed immediate assistance,” said Rajni from her home in Rishra. A family member confirmed that Mamata spoke to Rajni for nearly seven minutes and expressed her solidarity as “one of their own.”
Purnam’s family had been anxiously awaiting updates over the past three weeks. His elderly parents, Bholanath and Debanti Shaw, had reportedly been in poor health, deeply affected by the uncertainty surrounding their son’s fate. Multiple flag meetings had been held between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers, but clarity on Purnam’s status remained elusive until Operation Sindoor was launched.
Following his release after 23 days in captivity, Purnam’s father Bholanath Shaw expressed gratitude towards both the state and central governments. “Didi called us multiple times to assure us that my son was alive and would return soon. Even our local municipality chairman and councillor were in constant touch. Their support gave us strength. Today, my son is back, and we are extremely happy. He will soon resume duty and continue to serve the nation.”
The family’s ordeal, marked by uncertainty and fear, ended on a positive note thanks to sustained efforts by the BSF, government officials, and personal intervention by the Chief Minister.
