Walk to remember: 36 years later, Rajasthan man released from Pakistani jail

After languishing in Pakistani jails for as many as 36 years, Jaipur resident Gajanand Sharma was finally released on Monday. He was released by Pakistan after a formal inquiry was sent through administrative channels to ascertain his identity. He was among a group of 30 Indian prisoners that Pakistan released on Monday ahead of its Independence day which falls on August 14.

After a three-and-a-half decade-long wait, Gajanand finally set foot in his own country at around 3.30 pm. It was an emotional homecoming for him as he was brought by a train to the Wagah border. He had been lodged behind bars at the Lakhpat Kot Jail located in Lahore.

It has been a long journey — one that a short walk across the border can hardly ever highlight.

That he is alive was a news that came like a bolt out of the blue to Gajanand's family earlier this year. They came to know about him when some documents to verify his citizenship were received by the office of Superintendent of Police (Rural), Jaipur from Pakistan.

Gajanand had told Pakistani officials and agencies about his native village being Mahar Kalan near Chomu town after which the authorities in Pakistan contacted their counterpart in India to ascertain if the man was indeed from the village. On May 9, the local police received the inquiry and contacted Gajanand's son Mukesh, who then confirmed the claims.