Sunita Jamgade, a 43-year-old resident of Nagpur, has been returned to Indian authorities after crossing into Pakistan through the Line of Control (LoC) earlier this month. She was handed over on Saturday following her capture by Pakistani forces near Hunderman village in Kargil. The handover involved formal procedures with the Pakistan Rangers and the Border Security Force (BSF).
Jamgade had been reported missing since May 14, when she left her village close to the LoC, allegedly abandoning her 12-year-old son. Prior to her disappearance, officials noted that she had been in contact with Pakistani nationals, leading to suspicions that she might have crossed the border voluntarily. Investigations are still ongoing to ascertain any potential unlawful activities linked to her actions.
Niketan Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone V, confirmed that a police team was dispatched to Amritsar to bring her back to Nagpur. Following her return, a comprehensive interrogation is planned to evaluate her mental condition and to investigate any legal repercussions, including potential connections to espionage.
Dr. S D Singh Jamwal, the Director General of Police for Ladakh, indicated that Jamgade had displayed signs of emotional distress and confusion in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. Her family has also disclosed that she suffered from mental health issues and had been undergoing psychiatric treatment in Nagpur. Formerly a nurse, she had recently taken up work as a door-to-door garment seller.
In regard to the legal proceedings, a zero FIR was filed by the Amritsar Police, which is set to be transferred to the Kapil Nagar police station in Nagpur, her permanent residence. Kadam added that such cases crossing borders are typically navigated through coordinated efforts between diplomatic entities and security agencies, often involving flag meetings between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers.
Additionally, during her absence, her son had been cared for by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and is expected to be reunited with her in Nagpur, marking a bittersweet resolution to an unsettling situation.
This incident underscores the complex nature of border security and the psychological challenges faced by civilians living in regions adjacent to conflict zones.
