Wife of Purnam Sau, held by Pakistan, pleads for his return as tensions rise.
NEW DELHI: Amid a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the wife of a Border Security Force (BSF) trooper captured by Pakistan last month has made a heart-wrenching plea to the Indian government: “Give me back my sindoor.” Rajani Sau, who is pregnant and grieving, voiced her deep anguish over the uncertainty surrounding her husband, Purnam Sau’s, fate.
The 34-year-old BSF trooper was detained by Pakistani forces on April 23 after accidentally crossing the international border while assisting farmers in Firozpur, Punjab. His capture occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which had intensified following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. A photograph released by Pakistan confirmed Purnam’s capture, showing him blindfolded.
Rajani, who last spoke to her husband on the night of April 22, has been anxiously waiting for news of his return but has received no updates from the authorities. The family, residing in Rishra, West Bengal, is devastated, with Rajani breaking down at the mention of “Operation Sindoor,” the military operation that followed the escalation of hostilities.
In her emotional plea, Rajani cried out for the return of her “sindoor,” a powerful symbol of her marriage, underscoring the depth of her distress. Purnam’s family has expressed their frustration over the lack of updates, despite initial military assurances. His father, Bhola Sau, and his mother have voiced feelings of abandonment.
The incident has brought the local community in Rishra together, with residents continuing to visit the Sau family home, waiting for news of Purnam’s safe return. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Hooghly MP Kalyan Banerjee, have expressed hope for a swift resolution and have raised the issue with BSF commanders.