Captured BSF jawan freed by Pakistan amid border ceasefire

New Delhi: A BSF trooper who was captured by Pakistan after reportedly crossing the border during an evacuation mission, has been released amid continuing tensions between the two countries.

The family of Border Security Force (BSF) trooper Purnam Sau, who was captured by Pakistan last month, has finally received relief after his release was confirmed amid easing tensions along the India-Pakistan border.

Sau, a member of the BSF's 24th Battalion, was posted in Firozpur, Punjab, when he reportedly crossed the international border inadvertently on April 23 while assisting farmers in evacuating a high-risk area.

His capture occurred just a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, escalating hostilities between the two countries. Pakistan had released a photograph of Sau blindfolded, confirming he was in their custody.

Despite initial BSF assurances and outreach from state leaders like Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee, the family had complained of a lack of updates. Sau's father, Bhola Sau, said they had travelled to Firozpur but received no further information for days.

His eventual release came shortly after India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, seen as an attempt to dial down regional tensions. While no official statement was issued detailing the terms of Sau’s return, diplomatic channels and backdoor negotiations are believed to have facilitated the outcome.

More updates to follow.