KOLKATA, May 23 : Nine days after returning from Pakistan, BSF constable Purnam Kumar Sau arrived at the Howrah Station at 4 p.m. on Friday and set off by road for his home in Rishra, Hooghly district -26 kilometers away-where a hero’s welcome awaited him from his family and neighbours.
He was welcomed at Howrah Station by his father and the chairman of Rishra Municipality, who greeted him with the National Flag and a bouquet of flowers.
“I was able to return home because of your prayers,” Purnam said after getting off the train at platform no 17 at Howrah station, before heading to his home in Rishra.
However, Purnam’s residence, ‘Sau Sadan’, has been buzzing with activity and joy since morning. Preparations include a homemade feast featuring Purnam’s favourite dishes along with a specially ordered cake for the occasion. A cook was brought in to prepare the elaborate vegetarian meal, in keeping with the religious observance of Ekadashi.
Decorations in saffron, white, and green LED lights have been arranged, and relatives are arriving from across the state, including Durgapur and Asansol, to join the celebrations.
Purnam Kumar was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23, the day after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He had reportedly crossed the border by mistake and was resting under a tree when apprehended. While customary flag meetings between border forces typically result in prompt release, this time the process was delayed, causing concern and anxiety for his family.
The BSF had assured Purnam’s family that every effort was being made to bring him home safely. Nevertheless, as days passed with no news, his wife Rajni, despite being pregnant, travelled to Pathankot in desperation. Eventually reassured by officials, she returned home.
Purnam was released after 20 days in custody and re-entered India through the Attari-Wagah border on May 15. He spoke to his family via video call upon his return but was not immediately granted leave to go home, as he underwent medical checkups and completed formalities.
With all clearances now in place, the long-awaited reunion is finally happening. “I’m overjoyed he’s coming home after so long,” said Rajni. “Though I haven’t been able to speak with him directly due to the lack of a phone, we knew he had returned to India ten days ago. Today we’ll celebrate with cake and his favourite food.”
(UNI)
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