Indian solider handed back, says was treated better than expected
09 August, 2014
SIALKOT: Indian Border Security Force official Satyasheel Yadav who inadvertently crossed the Pakistani border on Friday was handed back to India along with his boat in a ceremony at Anayat Shaheed Check Post.
According to a Pakistan Rangers' press release, Satyasheel Yadav crossed into Pakistani territory when his boat overturned in the river Jammu Tawi. On August 6 the Punjab Rangers officials caught him. It was proved during an investigation that he crossed the border by mistake.
"When the patrol squad was negotiating a narrow bend in the river in this sector, the engine of the motorboat failed," Indian officials said, adding, "A rescue boat was sent to fetch the BSF men and took in three personnel but Yadav drifted in the strong current as the rope holding him snapped and he subsequently landed 400 metres away in Sialkot, Pakistan where he was picked up by the villagers initially and then handed over to the Rangers," they said.
"My colleagues swam out but I did not know swimming. The boat took me into Pakistani territory. I was rescued by the villagers and the Pakistan Rangers," he said in his narration of the events leading to his capture in a brief press conference at the Chenab Rangers Headquarters.
During the ceremony, the Pakistani side headed by Colonel Waqar and the Indian side headed by Battalion Commander Varesh Singh signed a document and handed Yadav over to the Indian officials.
"They took my introduction. They helped me to the extent they could. They kept me better than what I had thought. I have no complaints. I am happy. I am very happy to go back to meet my family," the 30-year-old Yadav said.
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