Official Team Leaves For Amritsar To Bring Odisha Man Who Spent 20 Years In Pakistan Jail

Rourkela: A team of officials of Sundergarh district administration on Friday left for Amritsar in Punjab to bring back Birju Kulu, a resident of Odisha, who was recently released from a Pakistan jail after serving 20-year sentence in the prison.

Birju, who reportedly hails from Jangateli village in the Rajgangpur block of Sundergarh district, had gone missing under mysterious circumstances, some 25 years ago while working at a hotel in Ranchi.

Birju, who was believed to be mentally unsound at that time, was caught by authorities in Pakistan after he mistakenly crossed the border. He was later sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment and lodged at the Lahore jail. On October 26 this year, he was handed over to Indian authorities after completion of the term.

At present, Birju is under quarantine at a hospital in Amritsar after contracting COVID-19.

“We are in contact with officers in Amritsar and all the necessary measures are being taken to bring back Birju who spent 20 years in Pakistan jail,” said Social Extension Officer, Madan Singh.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)