On Tuesday, 2 Indian nationals languishing in a Pakistani jail for eight years for “illegal border crossing, “were handed over to the Border Security Force personnel at the Wagah Border, a government official said.
As reported by the PTI, in the year 2013 the Indian nationals – Sharma Rajput and Ram Buhadar- entered Pakistan’s territory at the Line of Control (LoC) from Kashmir and were thus, arrested by the Pakistan rangers.
Although, later, it emerged that they were mentally challenged and that they had apparently crossed the border inadvertently.
“Their pictures and other credentials were shared with India and finally after admitting them as its citizens, the Rangers handed them over to the BSF on Monday,” the official said.
Cases of over 19 Indian nationals who have been arrested by the Pakistani authorities for alleged “spying and illegal border crossing” charges over an year ago, are pending with the Federal Review Board.
The police and Rangers had arrested the 19 Indians from various parts of India under the Security Act and Secret Services Act of the country and put them in different jails.
These Indian nationals were produced before the Federal Review Board comprising judges of the Superior Court, where the federal interior ministry presented their charges.
The board has apparently, extended their detention till the decision on their cases is made based on the investigation report of the interior ministry on whether they should face trial or should be set free, the officials said.