Can BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who returned from Pakistan, be re-employed? Know the rules and protocols..

BSF Constable PK Shaw: The day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on 22 April, BSF Jawan Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw accidentally crossed the border. On 14 May, he returned to India from Pakistan after 20 days. Pakistani Rangers handed him over to BSF at Attari-Wagah border.

After Purnam Shaw's return, the question is being raised whether he is in danger of losing his job. Let us know what happens after the return of an Armed Forces soldier if he accidentally crosses the border.

Can Purnam Kumar Shaw be given a job?

Based on the BSF Act, there is no immediate threat to Purnam Kumar Shaw's job, because he had crossed the border by mistake. This is usually not considered a basis for dismissal. However, there is a protocol for such a situation, under which some investigation processes have to be undergone. Which are as follows-

Mental and physical health check

The physical and mental health of the returning soldier is thoroughly examined. This includes counselling and medical tests to check for stress or trauma. In this, his entire body is examined to see if the enemy country has implanted any chip.

Interrogation and debriefing
If a soldier accidentally crosses the international border or is taken into custody, then after his release, security agencies like the Intelligence Bureau and RAW, and Army/BSF interrogate him in detail. Purnam Shaw will also have to go through this. Its purpose is to find out the reasons for the incident, investigate the conversation during custody, interrogation, or possible security breach, and to ensure that the soldier did not share any sensitive information. According to reports, this process of questioning Purnam Shaw can last for a few weeks.

Security protocol
Purnam Kumar Shaw will not be immediately sent for active duty, such as border patrolling. He will be kept grounded for some time. So that his safety and mental stability are ensured. This protocol was also applied in the case of Wing Commander Abhinandan Vardhaman (2019). He was grounded after returning from Pakistan. He was later reinstated to normal duty.

Disciplinary Inquiry

Section 40 of the BSF Act, 1968, provides for imprisonment of up to 7 years for breach of discipline. This section mentions a variety of punishments, such as dismissal, reduction in rank, or imprisonment of 3 months in the force's jail. However, crossing the border by mistake is not generally considered a breach of discipline. So the chances of losing the job are very low.

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