India Detains Pakistani Ranger Amidst Escalating Border Tensions After BSF Constable Held by Pakistan

In retaliation for Pakistan’s continued custody of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Sahu, India detains a Pakistani Ranger even as the LoC witnesses its most widespread ceasefire violation in recent days.

May 3, 2025: In a sharp escalation of India-Pakistan tensions, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday apprehended a Pakistani Ranger along the international border in Rajasthan. This move comes in response to the detention of Indian BSF constable Purnam Kumar Sahu, who inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory on April 23 while escorting farmers in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector.

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The Pakistani Ranger is currently held by the BSF’s Rajasthan Frontier, though his identity has not been disclosed. Officials say the action mirrors Pakistan’s refusal to release Mr Sahu, despite decades of protocol ensuring the swift return of personnel who unintentionally cross borders.

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Tensions further intensified hours after the Ranger’s detention, with Pakistan initiating the biggest ceasefire violation in recent days. Unprovoked gunfire was reported along the Line of Control (LoC) across sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor on the night of May 3–4. The Indian Army responded proportionately, according to defence sources. No fatalities have been reported thus far.

Pakistan Shows No Sign of Releasing BSF Jawan

Constable Sahu, from the 182nd BSF battalion, is part of the ‘Kisan Guard’ tasked with ensuring the safety of Indian farmers near the border. He had briefly crossed the zero line to rest under a tree and was captured by Pakistani Rangers.

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Despite several sector-level flag meetings and a formal protest lodged by India, Pakistan has not responded with a timeline or even clarity about Mr Sahu’s condition. He is believed to be held in a Pakistan Rangers facility near the Lahore-Amritsar corridor.

Sahu’s wife, Rajani, who is pregnant, travelled with her son from Rishra in West Bengal to Punjab to seek updates. She met senior BSF officials in Ferozepur, who assured her of all efforts being made for her husband’s safe return.

Fallout From the Pahalgam Terror Attack

This standoff comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India has blamed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba for the massacre and has since initiated a wave of punitive measures:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
• Closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing
• Ban on all imports from Pakistan
• Termination of postal services and port access for Pakistani ships
• Withdrawal of diplomatic personnel

Adding to the volatile situation, Pakistan conducted a test launch of the Abdali short-range ballistic missile on Saturday, a move Indian officials slammed as a “blatant provocation.” The missile has a range of 450 km and was reportedly tested under Exercise INDUS.

Outlook

While accidental border crossings have traditionally been resolved through coordination, the political climate post-Pahalgam attack has hardened both sides. The detention of each other’s personnel now risks becoming a symbolic flashpoint as diplomatic and military ties unravel further.

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India-Pakistan tensions, BSF jawan detained, Pakistani Ranger caught, Pahalgam terror attack, ceasefire violation, Line of Control, Indus Waters Treaty, India Pakistan border, Abdali missile test, Pakistan cross-border firing, diplomatic standoff, India Pakistan news, Kashmir conflict