‘My husband will soon be back’: wife of Poornam Shaw, BSF jawan detained in Pakistan, hopeful after call from Mamata Banerjee

“I had lost all hope,” Rajani said, emphasising the fear of having her husband held in a nation in conflict with India. “But yesterday, after the ceasefire, I got a bit positive, and I have full faith in God that my husband will return safely.”

India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire on Saturday after trading fire at the border for days since India launched Operation Sindoor military strikes in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people on April 22.

Rajani, who is pregnant, also said the chief minister extended her good wishes and offered medical assistance if needed. “I am very sure my husband will soon be back with us,” she added.

Shaw, 40, who hails from Rishra, Hooghly, was taken captive by Pakistan Rangers last month after he inadvertently crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district a day after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which escalated tensions at the border.

Amid the hostile environment, Shaw’s wife Rajani Shaw has been seeking assistance for her husband’s safe return. She visited BSF commanders in Pathankot and Ferozepur and was initially reassured by senior officials of their ongoing efforts.

Kalyan Banerjee’s demand

Kalyan Banerjee, TMC MP for the Serampore constituency, has demanded immediate government intervention to secure the release of Shaw.

“Since a ceasefire is currently in place between India and Pakistan, immediate steps must be taken to secure the release of the individual who has been detained by the Pakistan Army for nearly twenty days. I spoke with the Director General of the Border Security Force just a few minutes ago. However, at this point, I am not interested in hearing about intentions or plans—I demand immediate action. The individual must be released from detention without delay. His family is anxiously awaiting his return. I sincerely hope and expect that the Indian authorities are capable enough to take swift and decisive action to resolve this matter,” Banerjee wrote on X on Saturday.

“This may not be the appropriate moment to make extensive comments on the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. However, I cannot help but remember and pay tribute to the legacy of former Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Smt. Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee—leaders who stood firmly for the nation with unwavering resolve and selfless dedication to public service. They aspired to be national leaders, not just political figures,” he wrote in a post on Sunday. “My thoughts are especially with Poornam Shaw, the BSF jawan detained by the Pakistan Army. It has been over twenty days, and despite repeated efforts to reach out to the office of Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, I have received no response. Last night, I was contacted by an official from the Prime Minister’s Office, who advised me to convey my message about Poornam directly to the Prime Minister,” the TMC MP wrote.

“I am grateful that the Director General of the BSF has assured me that the matter will be escalated to senior authorities and that all possible efforts will be made. The people of Serampore constituency are anxiously awaiting Poornam’s safe return. We sincerely hope that the Hon’ble Prime Minister and all responsible government officials will take swift and decisive action to bring him home,” he added.

Earlier, Poornam Shaw’s nephew Rahul Shaw said the family had received information that efforts were ongoing to bring him back. “We are a bit relieved to know about the ceasefire. The government must bring him back as soon as possible,” he said.