Filled with worry and courage, the pregnant wife of BSF jawan Purnam Sahu who was detained by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the international border, has set out from her home in Hooghly’s Rishra to Ferozepur in Punjab on Monday.
She has left on a journey seeking answers and hoping to bring her husband back home.
Rajani Sahu, carrying both her unborn child and heavy worry in her heart, left with her eight-year-old son and three relatives on Monday morning. Their plan is to fly to Chandigarh and then travel onward to Ferozepur, close to where Purnam was posted before the incident.
"I cannot tell you how tense I am," Rajani said, her voice breaking with emotion, adding, "BSF officials keep telling me not to worry, but there is no clarity. I am very worried, so I planned this visit despite my condition."
Rajani’s determination reflects the strength of a family fighting against uncertainty. She has made it clear — if answers do not come from Ferozepur, she is ready to travel to Delhi to plead directly with the Union Home Ministry and other top officials.
"I will go to the Prime Minister if needed. I will not return home until I bring back my husband," she said with steely resolve.
Purnam had been escorting a group of farmers near the border when he accidentally stepped into Pakistani territory while resting under a tree. Posted with the 182nd Battalion of the BSF at the Ferozepur border, he was immediately detained by Pakistan Rangers.
Although border forces of both countries held flag meetings to negotiate his return, no further updates have been shared with the family.
"Today is the fifth day and there is still no update," Rajani said on Sunday, her voice thick with worry.
Despite her pregnancy and the toll of emotional strain, Rajani prepared carefully for her journey. Earlier, she had tried to board a train to Amritsar, but after failing to get a confirmed ticket, she switched to a flight to Chandigarh scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Her family, too, remains deeply anxious. "We are very tense. I plead with the BSF officials to bring back my son," said Purnam’s mother, her eyes welling up as neighbours rallied around them.
On Sunday, the local people of Rishra’s Baghkhale area stood in solidarity with the family, organising a road meeting and a march to demand Purnam’s safe return. People held posters of Purnam, chanting for the government to intensify efforts.
"The government is trying. But we want Pakistan to return our soldier as soon as possible," said Vijay Pandey, a neighbour of Purnam.
The situation has become even more sensitive due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgaon. Official sources confirmed that Purnam had mistakenly crossed the border.
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