In a significant breakthrough in the fight against transnational terrorism, Harpreet Singh, also known as ‘Happy Passia,’ was arrested in Sacramento, California, on April 18, 2025. This arrest was made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) after a two-year-long effort led by the Punjab Police. Passia, a fugitive wanted for orchestrating multiple terror-related incidents in Punjab, has become a major headache for both Indian authorities and international intelligence agencies.
Originating from Passia village in Ajnala, Punjab, Singh is alleged to have masterminded at least 16 grenade attacks targeting police posts, religious sites, and residences of public figures across Punjab. Notably, he was implicated in a 2024 attack on a house in Chandigarh’s Sector 10, which was intended to harm a retired Punjab Police officer. His criminal activities also extend to the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, underscoring the dangerous nexus between organized crime and terrorism in the region.
Singh's operational ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terror outfits such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) have raised alarms among law enforcement agencies. Reports indicate that he entered the United States illegally in 2021, using burner phones and false identities to evade capture. His arrest is expected to shed light on the workings of transnational terror networks and could lead to further arrests and the dismantling of these operations.
The Punjab Police played a crucial role in tracking Singh’s movements and sharing intelligence with US authorities. They compiled a comprehensive dossier detailing his criminal activities, which included 14 grenade attacks, one IED blast, and one RPG attack in Punjab. The police collaborated with central intelligence agencies and shared critical information with the FBI’s legal office in New Delhi, which facilitated the arrest. Legal actions through Look-Out Circulars (LOCs) and Blue Corner notices were regularly issued against Singh, highlighting his involvement in terror activities and organized crime.
According to police sources, Singh and his Pakistan-based associate Harwinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda, provided logistical support, funds, and weapons to operatives in India for executing terror attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously filed a chargesheet against Singh and his associates under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related laws. Passia was reportedly carrying a reward of Rs. 5 lakh announced by the NIA at the time of his arrest.
Singh and Rinda orchestrated a sustained campaign of terror and extortion across Punjab and other states, targeting police establishments, retired and serving police officers, liquor contractors, businessmen, and socio-religious leaders. Their activities were aimed at creating fear and disrupting communal harmony. Between 2023 and early 2025, the duo escalated their operations through targeted terror strikes, including arson, extortion, and attacks on police establishments.
Passia is described as a direct asset of Pakistan’s ISI, executing tasks under the direction of BKI chief Harwinder Singh, alias Rinda, to advance ISI’s destabilization agenda in India. The Punjab Police uncovered Passia’s connections with various terrorist modules and have been relentless in their pursuit of him, ultimately leading to his capture.
Singh’s arrest is expected to facilitate further investigations into transnational terror networks and may lead to additional arrests. Indian agencies are likely to pursue extradition proceedings to bring Singh to justice in India. This case underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security threats and the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Singh's capture will impact the broader landscape of terrorism and organized crime in the region. The Punjab Police's success in this case highlights their commitment to dismantling terror networks and ensuring the safety of citizens. The collaboration between Indian law enforcement and US authorities represents a significant step in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
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