Jaipur man, in Pakistan jail for 36 years, finally comes home

Gajanand was among 30 Indian citizens, including 29 fishermen, who were released by Pakistani authorities two days before the Independence Day.

A 69-year-old Jaipur man, who had gone missing 36 years ago, was repatriated by Pakistan Rangers through Attari-Wagah border on Monday.

Gajanand was among 30 other Indians, 27 fishermen from Gujarat, who were received by officials of Border Security Force on Monday. (HT Photo)

Gajanand was among 30 other Indians, 27 fishermen from Gujarat, who were received by officials of Border Security Force (BSF). Pakistan’s foreign ministry released the Indian prisoners as a humanitarian gesture to mark the country’s Independence Day. In 1982, Gajanand, a labourer by profession then, had gone missing from his native village, Samod, falling under Mahar Kalan police station, in Jaipur. His family moved from pillar to post to find Gajanand but to no avail.

As soon as Gajanand reached the Indian territory, he fell on the ground, owing to weakness and was assisted by two BSF personnels.He was taken to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) to complete the pending formalities.

Sri Amarnath Langar Sewa Committee president Sehdev Sharma, who had come to receive Gajanand said, “Gajanand is not in a condition to talk. He will be taken to his home in Jaipur.His wife Makhni Devi, two sons—Rakesh and Mukesh— and their wives, and grandchildren have been waiting for him eagerly.”

Intelligence officials said, as Gajanand is not mentally sound, he is unable to recall how he reached Pakistan. Gajanand’s younger son Mukesh Sharma said, “We had lost all hope of meeting him and feared that he was no more. Recently, police spoke to us to confirm his nationality and informed that he was lodged in Lahore Central Jail.”