3 min readKolkataMay 5, 2025 03:22 PM IST
First published on: May 5, 2025 at 03:22 PM IST
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the Central Government to bring back BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Sahu, who has been arrested by the Pakistani army.
Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, 40, who hails from Hooghly in West Bengal, was detained by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district on April 23 while providing security to farmers.
The detention coincided with the diplomatic stand-off between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.
Speaking on the way to Berhampore, she said, “It is indeed very sad news. Our MP Kalyan Banerjee is in contact with his family. Our government is also in contact with his family. We want him to be brought back as early as possible.”
Banerjee visited Berhampore on Monday and will go to Dhulian and Suti on Tuesday to see the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad. The riots, which took place in the wake of the new Waqf law, claimed three lives – a man in police firing and a father and son in mob violence.
The family of the father and son duo from Jafrabad who died in the violence is currently in Kolkata. Murshidabad police allegedly came to Kolkata to talk with the family, but the family refused to return to Murshidabad during the Chief Minister’s visit.
Speaking on the issue, she said, “I have heard that two family members went away. I have no problem with that. I will meet the families who come. They (BJP) may have given them money. The government also has plans to give them monetary help. I am supposed to give that. Those who come, I will give them money to build a house. Then, I will go to Suti. There will be a government distribution programme.”
She also denied the Governor’s report about Murshidabad and his suggestion to impose Article 356 in West Bengal. “I don’t have such information. He is ill and I pray for his speedy recovery,” said Banerjee.
A controversy has also emerged over the newly inaugurated Digha Jagannath idol being made with wood from the original Puri temple idol. When asked about it, the Chief Minister said, “Don’t do this. We always respect the Puri temple. But there are many more Jagannath temples. Is there only one Shiv mandir in India? Why are people (BJP) so jealous of the Jagannath Dham in Digha?”
Mamata Banerjee visited Berhampore on Monday and will go to Dhulian and Suti on Tuesday to see the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad. (Source: FB) 
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