Relief, Joy Sweep Over BSF Jawan's Family Home in Bengal

"I couldn't believe it at first when last evening at 7.30 pm, we were informed about his release," Bholenath told reporters, adding: "I want to thank the Indian Government, our Chief Minister, state leaders, and God for his release."

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

The news of the repatriation of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw - who had been captured by Pakistani Rangers on April 23 - triggered a wave of relief and joy in the jawan's family home at Rishra, 25 km from Kolkata where relatives, neighbours and well-wishers gathered with sweets to celebrate his safe return.

Purnam Shaw's father Bholenath Shaw, received official confirmation from the BSF Headquarters that his son had been released by Pakistan at 10:30 a.m.

"I couldn't believe it at first when last evening at 7.30 pm, we were informed about his release," Bholenath told reporters, adding: "I want to thank the Indian Government, our Chief Minister, state leaders, and God for his release."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Facebook and wrote: "I am happy to receive the information that Purnam Kumar Shaw, the BSF jawan, who is like my brother, has been released. I had all along been in touch with his family and spoke thrice with his wife here at Rishra, Hooghly. I called her as well. All the very best wishes for... his entire family including his wife, Rajani Shaw."