India's Border Security Force (BSF) constable was detained by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the international border near Ferozepur in Punjab on Wednesday. The officials have made efforts to secure his release, but they didn't get any reply from Pakistan. 

Advertisment

The constable has been identified as Purnab Kumar Shaw. As per reports, officials have said that he was in uniform and carrying his service rifle when the incident occurred. He was helping farmers as a Kisan Guard unit of the BSF, facilitating and protecting Indian farmers cultivating land along the zero line. 

Also read: Rafales and Su-30s lead Indian Air Force's Exercise 'Aakraman' amid tensions with Pakistan. Aakraman means attack

Media reports have mentioned that he moved ahead to rest under the shade, unintentionally crossing the international boundary. He was taken into custody by Pakistani forces. 

Advertisment

The incident has become crucial amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26, mostly tourists. 

Also read: Pakistan doing 'dirty work for the US' for three decades: Pak defence minister on funding terrorist groups

Family seeks information on son

Advertisment

Sahu hails from the Harisabha area of Rishra in Hooghly, West Bengal. His father, Bholanath Sahu, said that the commanding officer of his son's battalion had called him up over the phone on Thursday night and said that a "flag meeting was being held" between officers of the BSF and Pak Rangers to secure his safe release. But so far, there's no update. 

Also read: 'No police permission at Baisaran meadow': Rahul Gandhi cornered govt over 'security lapse' at all-party meet

"My son is serving the country and I am sure all efforts will be made to secure his safe release. I am yet to get any more information on my son's whereabouts," the father said, adding that his son had come home for Holi and had gone back to work about three weeks back. 

Also read: Pahalgam attack: What happens to Pakistani woman Seema Haider after India suspends SAARC visa to punish Pakistan? 

Shaw's wife Rajni appealed to the government to ensure the safe return of her husband. "I came to know from one of his colleagues who just informed me that he has been held by Pakistani soldiers and that flag meetings were going on to bring him back. I would appeal to the state and Union government to ensure that my husband returns home safely at the earliest," she told reporters on Thursday evening.