Indian Men Released After Over Two Years in Pakistani Custody Following Flood Incident
Two men from Punjab, who were swept across the Satluj river during devastating floods and subsequently arrested in Pakistan, have finally been released after enduring more than two and a half years of imprisonment. The emotional homecoming of 25-year-old Ratanpal from Khaira Mustarka and 26-year-old Harwinder Singh, a driver from Parjian Biharipur, has been overshadowed by the heartbreaking loss of close family members during their incarceration.
The Fateful Flood Event and Arrest
According to family accounts, the two individuals were caught in the powerful currents of the Satluj river around July 26, 2023, in the Ferozepur stretch. Harwinder Singh recounted that they had traveled to Chandiwala village in Ferozepur to assist his cousin in moving household items and livestock after a gurdwara announcement warned of rising water levels. Tragically, they were swept downstream by the strong floodwaters, unable to swim back due to the high velocity and depth of the river.
By the morning of July 28, Harwinder and Ratanpal found themselves on a riverbank, unaware that they had crossed into Pakistani territory. It was only upon their arrest by Pakistan Rangers that they realized they were in another country. Despite their attempts to explain the accidental nature of their crossing, they were taken to an undisclosed location, blindfolded, and subjected to intense interrogation and alleged torture for 28 days.
Interrogation, Custody, and Jail Transfers
Harwinder described a harrowing period where interrogators with covered faces communicated primarily through gestures. The two men were held in separate small cells during this initial phase, receiving basic meals of lunch, dinner, and morning tea with roti. After this, they were transferred to the Ganda Singh Wala police station, where they were reunited and detained for seven days under less severe questioning.
Subsequently, the duo was moved to Kasur Jail for approximately one and a half months before being shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore. Harwinder noted that conditions improved somewhat at Kot Lakhpat, as they met other Indian prisoners in a separate enclosure and were provided with two large rotis and dal daily.
Legal Proceedings and Limited Family Contact
Once their court case commenced, hearings occurred every three months. During one session, Harwinder and Ratanpal informed the judge about their families and requested permission to communicate with them. The court then ordered jail authorities to allow weekly 10-minute phone calls every Wednesday, providing a crucial lifeline to their loved ones back in India.
At their final hearing, the court directed that they be repatriated within three months. On the day of their release, January 31 of this year, they were transported from jail in the morning and, despite inquiries from an Indian government officer, were only released in the evening. They were among seven Indian prisoners freed by Pakistani authorities on that date.
Bittersweet Homecoming Amid Personal Tragedy
The joy of return has been deeply marred by personal losses for both men. Harwinder Singh last spoke to his father, Mukhtar Singh, who was battling cancer, just 15 to 20 days before the flood incident. He had planned to borrow money for his father's treatment in Bikaner, unaware that their conversation would be their final one. His mother suffered a brain hemorrhage due to the stress of his disappearance, and Harwinder only confirmed his father's passing after reaching home. He is now on medication for shock but finds solace in being reunited with his mother, wife, and two children.
At his home in Khaira Mustarka village, Jalandhar district, Ratanpal expressed devastation over the deaths of his adoptive uncle Kartar Singh, aunt Pyaro Bai, and brother Ved Prakash. Upon arriving home at 2 a.m. on February 1, he searched for his family members only to learn of their passing. He credits his adoptive parents for providing him with an education and remains grateful for his return, yet struggles to cope with the immense loss endured during his years in Pakistani jail.
Ratanpal added that in prison, encouragement from fellow Indian inmates serving longer sentences helped them maintain hope through faith in the Almighty. His father Mohinder Singh, wife Surjeet Kaur, two sons, and brother Om Prakash were overjoyed to welcome him back, offering a glimmer of comfort amid the sorrow.
