BSF constable who strayed into Pak 21 days back repatriated at Attari-Wagah border

Amritsar: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable, who had inadvertently stepped into Pakistani territory by the Punjab border in Ferozepur sector on April 23, was repatriated on Wednesday by the Pakistan Rangers.Following the cessation of hostilities, diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan, the handoverof Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw took place at around 10.30 am at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, away from media spotlight. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10."The handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols," said Atul Fulzele, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier .Initially, the BSF released a photograph of Shaw with a beard, but later issued one in which he was clean shaven and in fresh clothes.Shaw, a resident of Rishra in West Bengal's Hooghly district, was posted in BSF's 182 Battalion.Fulzele said that Shaw, who inadvertently strayed into Pakistan territory while on duty as a "kisan guard" on April 23 — one day after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives — was received at 10.30 am.Sources said that Shaw underwent medical examination and debriefing as per protocol, and showed no signs of physical abuse.After the arrest of Shaw, Pakistan Rangers had released two photographs, one showing him blindfolded and disoriented, and the other with his belongings scattered on the ground.One of Pak Rangers sent back?Highly-placed sources said that the BSF repatriated Muhammad Ullaha of Pakistan Rangers from Attari-Wagah joint check post on Wednesday.However, there was no official information of this. He was arrested by the BSF on May 3 in the Rajasthan sector.