The family of a 23-year-old man from Punjab's Jalandhar district has made an urgent appeal to the government after learning he is currently detained by the Pakistan Rangers. The youth, identified as Sharandeep Singh, a resident of Shahkot, allegedly crossed the international border near Tarn Taran last month.
From Wrestling Promise to Border Crossing
According to his father, Satnam Singh, Sharandeep was once a promising wrestler. His life took a tragic turn around one and a half years ago following a wrestling-related fight. The altercation resulted in a severe hand injury that led to a partial amputation. "After that incident, he went into depression and, unfortunately, fell into drug addiction," Satnam Singh revealed. The family believes he may have crossed the border under the influence of drugs.
Sharandeep had left home on November 2 with a friend, Mandeep Singh. After days of uncertainty, the friend eventually admitted he had left Sharandeep near the Tarn Taran border, close to Rattoke village. The family subsequently filed a missing person complaint with the Shahkot police.
Detention in Pakistan and Security Concerns
Police sources stated that Sharandeep is suspected to have crossed into Pakistan through the Rattoke Sarhali area. This village has known links to Harvinder Singh Rinda, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative based in Pakistan. Security agencies have repeatedly accused Rinda of radicalising and misleading Punjabi youth.
After crossing, Sharandeep was apprehended in Pakistan's Kasur sector. The Pakistan Rangers later released a photograph showing him in handcuffs. The family learned of his whereabouts on December 21. "Now we know he is in Pakistan. My only appeal to the government is to bring my Sharandeep back home," pleaded his mother, Harjeet Kaur.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harvinder Singh Virk confirmed the receipt of the missing person complaint. "We are conducting a thorough investigation. It has now come to light that the youth crossed into Pakistan and was detained by the Pakistan Rangers. The matter is being examined in detail," the SSP said. The deputy superintendent of police in Shahkot has also confirmed the detention.
Authorities are investigating all possible angles, including any potential influence or coercion. The police are examining the circumstances that led a young man battling personal demons to end up across one of the world's most heavily guarded borders. The family's hope now rests entirely on diplomatic channels to secure his safe return.
