Following the ceasefire resulting from India’s “Operation Sindoor” on May 7 and Pakistan’s retaliatory “Operation Baniyan al Marsoos” on May 10, guns have fallen silent on both sides. However, the wife of a Border Security Force (BSF) officer has posed a poignant question to the Modi government: “Where is my sindoor? And will he ever return?”
According to a report citing Indian news outlet The Wire, the BSF officer was captured by Pakistan last month. His wife is desperate for his return and is questioning her own government, asking if her sindoor will be returned to her. Sindoor is a reddish mark traditionally worn by married Hindu women in the parting of their hair to signify marital status.
Thirty-four-year-old Pranam Sao’s family is from Rishra in West Bengal. They had hoped diplomatic efforts would help bring him back.
Pranam Sao was posted with the 24th battalion of the BSF in Ferozepur, Punjab, and on April 23, he was stationed at the India-Pakistan border. He reportedly crossed the international border while trying to help local farmers out of a dangerous area.
The Wire reported that the incident occurred during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Pranam Sao was reportedly detained by the Pakistani army, which later released a photo showing him blindfolded—confirming his capture.
At their small home in Rishra, Hooghly district, Pranam’s family is in shock and uncertainty. His wife, Rajani Sao, who is seven months pregnant, broke down while sharing her ordeal.
Crying, Rajani said, “My husband was captured by the Pakistani army. I saw the picture of him blindfolded. BSF officers came to our home and told us they are trying to bring Pranam back, but now the situation has turned into a war. I don’t know what the next piece of news will be.”
The last time Pranam and Rajani spoke on the phone was on April 22. They inquired about each other’s wellbeing, and a few hours later, he was captured. Since then, Rajani has received no news about her husband.
When asked about Operation Sindoor, Rajani burst into tears, covered her face with her shawl, and cried out, “Government! Give me back my sindoor.”
Pranam’s father, Bhola Sao, a retired security guard, expressed disappointment over the silence following initial military assurances. He said he had gone with his daughter-in-law to Ferozepur, where army officers had promised to try to bring Pranam back, but there has been no update since.
Pranam Sao’s mother said that her son served the nation for 18 years, and now they have been left helpless and alone.
