FBI Arrests Punjab-Based Terrorist Harpreet Singh In US: Who Is Happy Passia?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) on Friday arrested terrorist Harpreet Singh aka Happy Passia, who is involved in attacks in Punjab, in the US.

The US' investigation agency said that Singh has links with two international terrorist groups and entered the US illegally. FBI Sacramento, in a post shared on X, said: "Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture."

Who is Harpreet Singh?

A native of Ajnala in Amritsar, Singh, who is facing charges in 17 cases, has been declared an absconder in a case filed on October 1, 2024.

Investigators say Passia is closely associated with Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu (Rinda) and has been involved in multiple terror activities in Punjab. His network reportedly extends to Pakistan's ISI and the banned Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

NIA's Bounty & Chandigarh Grenade Attack

Also, there was a Rs 5 lakh reward announced by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for information over a grenade attack on a Chandigarh residence in Sector 10/D. The attack, meant to target a retired Punjab Police officer, was part of a larger conspiracy to instill fear among law enforcement and civilians.

On March 23, the NIA chargesheeted four BKI operatives, including Rinda (based in Pakistan) and Harpreet Singh (based in the U.S.), identifying them as the masterminds behind the attack. They allegedly supplied funds, weapons, and logistical support to local operatives Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who carried out the grenade attack.
Ongoing Investigations

The NIA is working to dismantle BKI's terror network in India. Last December, Punjab Police busted another ISI-backed BKI module, arresting five members involved in grenade attacks on police stations in Batala and Gurdaspur.