Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 28, 2025, Hooghly : After being held captive by Pakistan for 22 days during a battle at Payalgaon in Kashmir, Indian Army jawan Purnam Sau, a native of Rishra, Hooghly, has safely returned to the country. His return has sparked a wave of relief and celebration in his hometown, where representatives from various political and social groups gathered to honour him.
In a coordinated effort between the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, Purnam was repatriated to India, marking a significant diplomatic and military achievement. On Wednesday, a 10-member delegation, acting on the direction of Sheikh Raju Master, founder of Bangla Hridoy Mamata Social Media, visited Sau’s residence to extend their greetings and express their gratitude for his service and bravery.
The delegation included leaders and members of the Trinamool Congress Social Media Cell, Mamata and Chunchura City TMC Committee, and several distinguished figures from the local community. Among those present were Chunchura Municipality Councillor Rita Dutta, District Social Media President Swapan Dutta, State Committee Member Mohan Singh Roy, Convener Abhishek Gupta, prominent lawyer and social worker Ujjwal Chakraborty, journalist Rajkumar Prasad, and other supporters.
Addressing the media, Convener Abhishek Gupta described Purnam Sau as a “symbol of pride for Hooghly”, and expressed his gratitude to the Indian Army, the central government, and the state administration for their roles in securing Sau’s release. He further acknowledged the personal intervention of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had maintained close contact with Sau’s family throughout the ordeal and fulfilled her promise by ensuring his return within three days.
Purnam Sau, visibly emotional, thanked the Trinamool Congress Committee and Bangla Hridoy Mamata Social Media for their support and warm welcome. His return stands as a testament to the strength and resolve of India’s armed forces and the collaborative efforts of both state and central governments in upholding the safety and dignity of the nation’s soldiers.