BSF jawan from Rishra in Pakistan's custody for 8 days; TMC slams Centre and demands urgent action

BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Sahu, a resident of Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, has been in the custody of Pakistani Rangers for eight days. He was reportedly taken across the border while on duty. The incident has triggered political responses, with the Trinamool Congress raising questions over the Centre’s response and demanding immediate efforts to secure his release.

Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh accused the central government of failing to act decisively. He said, “Just speaking dialogues won’t help. Showcasing warships and fighter jets may raise TV TRPs, but what concrete action has been taken to bring Bengal’s son Purnam back from Pakistani custody?” Ghosh also questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asking how the jawan could be abducted in full view of the BSF and what the security and intelligence agencies were doing at the time.

The jawan’s wife, Rajni Sahu, who is pregnant, visited Pathankot to meet senior BSF officials but received no clear assurance regarding her husband’s return. “Eight days have passed. My husband is still in Pakistani custody, and BSF officers are only giving us assurances,” she said. Following the meeting, she returned to their home in Howrah district.

Purnam Kumar’s father also expressed concern and frustration over the lack of clarity from the government. “Our son was captured while serving the country. It is the responsibility of the central government to ensure his safe return. But so far, we have received no clear information. Our worry grows each day,” he said. According to sources, the Director General and Inspector General of BSF have spoken to Purnam’s wife over the phone.

Trinamool Congress MP from Srirampur, Kalyan Banerjee, has also urged the Centre to intervene and is reportedly in touch with the jawan’s family. Meanwhile, concerns remain over the jawan’s health and overall condition, as no update has been publicly provided about his situation since his capture. The matter remains under diplomatic and political attention.