Fugitive gangster Harpreet Singh Passia, known as Happy Passia, has been apprehended in the United States by the FBI and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). He is accused of orchestrating 14 terrorist attacks in Punjab. Following a lengthy investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police, authorities confirmed that Passia had been hiding in the U.S. A lookout circular was previously issued, and legal notices were sent to his residence.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), FBI Sacramento announced, “Harpreet Singh, a suspected terrorist linked to multiple attacks in Punjab, was arrested today by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento.” He was reportedly affiliated with two international terror outfits and had illegally entered the U.S., using burner phones to stay hidden.

Earlier this year, the NIA had offered a ₹5 lakh reward for any information that could lead to Passia’s arrest, suspecting him to be involved in grenade attacks targeting Chandigarh residences and Punjab police stations. Over the past seven months, Punjab experienced 16 grenade attacks aimed at religious sites, police outposts, and the homes of influential figures, including BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. Investigators believe Passia played a key role in at least 14 of these incidents.

Originally from Ajnala tehsil in Amritsar, Punjab, Passia is facing charges in 17 criminal cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the NDPS Act, and the Arms Act. He is linked to Pakistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda. In 2023, he teamed up with Rinda to execute terror plots in Punjab. Rinda is also connected to the 2022 killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala. Passia is believed to have entered the U.S. in 2021 through a human trafficking network, according to The Indian Express.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.