Happy Passia Arrest: FBI Nabs Punjab Terror Accused in US

An important breakthrough with far-reaching implications for counter-terrorism initiatives. Harpreet Singh, aka Happy Passia has been arrested in the U.S. He is a designated key terrorist who has been linked to multiple grenade attacks in Punjab. The FBI’s Sacramento unit confirmed his arrest in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Arrest of a Significant Fugitive Happy Passia

FBI agents, working with the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team, arrested Harpreet Singh in Sacramento, California on Friday. Singh was wanted related to more than 14 grenade attacks in Punjab. It included the significant September 2024 attack on the home of a former senior Punjab Police officer in Chandigarh.

The FBI stated that Singh illegally entered the U.S. He used burner phones to avoid capture, making it much more challenging to find him . “The FBI said in its post that he was linked with two international terrorist organizations. He illegally entered the U.S., and used burner phones to evade detention.”

Linkages to International Terrorist Organizations

According to current investigations being conducted by the NIA (National Investigation Agency), Singh has connections to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). It is a banned terrorist group operating with support from Pakistan. He is alleged to maintaining connections with other extremists agencies. These conduct cross-border terror activities directed toward India.

Also, the NIA has identified Singh in a new chargesheet related to a grenade attack in Chandigarh. They claim that he worked from the United States in conjunction with the Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu (aka Rinda). They are said to have coordinated the attack by supplying funding, logistic support, and weapons to local operatives in India.

Cooperation and Execution of Attacks

Investigations have demonstrated that Singh, and his associates engaged and oversaw local agents. They are known as Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih- who conducted reconnaissance prior to executing the attack in Chandigarh.

Moreover, all individuals were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, and other relevant applicable criminal laws.

The case has been registered as RC15/2024/NIA/DLI. It is still under investigation as officials are trying to unravel the entire terror syndicate and identify any further co-conspirators.

Prior Involvement in Terror Units

Furthermore, Happy Passia previously had connections with organized terror groups in Punjab. In December of 2023, Punjab Police arrested a terror module funded by Pakistan’s ISI, which was believed to be operated by Singh while his associate was Shamsher (also called Honey). Therefore, this investigation reported the arrest of five people, including Abhijot Singh who is known to be the key planner of grenade attacks in Batala and Gurdaspur.

These violent attacks were purportedly aimed to terrorize the public, disrupt social tranquillity, and challenge the power of Indian law enforcement and security agencies.

Current Legal and Diplomatic Action

A senior Punjab Police officer confirmed that Singh is currently wanted in at least 18 criminal cases in India – all relating to terror and attempts to incite communal violence.

Federal agencies have been working closely with U.S. law enforcement officials to extradite and charge Singh under Indian anti-terrorism laws.

This detention marks a significant advancement in India’s collaborative counter-terrorism efforts with partners around the globe, particularly the USA, to counter cross-border terrorism and eliminate sleeper cells operating abroad.

A Significant Advancement in the Recent News updates

This detention comes during a period when counter-terrorism efforts are ramping up at various levels in India. In the most recent security updates, law enforcement agencies are ramping up their intelligence-gathering capabilities to deter international terrorist organizations from establishing a safer haven abroad.

Singh’s arrest is a stark illustration of the global nature of terrorism, and the need for global cooperation to deal with the threats that cross national borders.

Officials remain hopeful that his questioning – and, by osmosis, trial – will shed greater light on the extent of international involvement in local terror plots and help avert future attacks.

Stay tuned for more trending news today on this high-profile case as legal processes first start to hold the accused and his affiliates accountable.