In a big success for Indian intelligence agencies, wanted Khalistani terrorist Happy Passia (Harpreet Singh) is set to be extradited from the United States to India in the coming days. According to sources Passia, currently in US custody, will soon arrive at Delhi Airport under tight security arrangements.
It is to be noted that, Passia was arrested on April 17 in California’s Sacramento by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following sustained coordination with Indian agencies. He has been on the radar of Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in a series of terror attacks across Punjab, particularly targeting police stations and public institutions.
Passia is accused of orchestrating at least 14 grenade attacks across Punjab, targeting police stations, religious places, and residences of public figures including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoranjan Kalia.
Passia, a resident of Amritsar, Punajb entered the US illegally in 2021 through human trafficking routes, and continued to coordinate terror activities from there, using burner phones to avoid detection.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also officially declared Passia as a wanted terrorist, placing a Rs 5 lakh reward on him in connection with multiple cases, including the Chandigarh grenade attack.
The Khalistani terrorist Passia has maintained direct contact with top officials of Pakistan’s ISI and was actively supported by terror outfits, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Harvinder Singh Rinda’s network. He is believed to have played a central role in destabilising the region through planned grenade attacks and targeted violence over the past two years.
Passia’s arrest is being hailed as the result of months-long efforts between the Punjab Police, central intelligence agencies and American law enforcement, who have been jointly tracking Khalistani operatives operating from abroad.
Once extradited, Happy Passia will be brought before Indian courts and face prosecution under multiple anti-terrorism laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
His interrogation is expected to offer critical insights into a wider international terror network, with alleged links to both Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus and Khalistani separatist groups operating from foreign soil.
“Captured Harpeet Singh, part of an alleged foreign terrorist gang here illegally in the United States, who we believe was involved in planning multiple attacks on police stations both in India and the United States,” he posted on X on April 22.
CAPTURED: HARPREET SINGH, part of an alleged foreign terrorist gang here illegally in the United States, who we believe was involved in planning multiple attacks on police stations both in India and the United States.@FBISacramento conducted the investigation coordinating with… pic.twitter.com/JKB1dfjo2P
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 21, 2025
Earlier this year, the NIA chargesheeted four terror operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack case. Passia and Rinda were among those named in the chargesheet filed before the Special NIA court in Chandigarh.
“Investigations revealed that Rinda, along with Happy Passia, had orchestrated the conspiracy to strike terror among law enforcement officials and the general public through the grenade attack, as part of the broader aim to promote BKI’s terrorist agenda. They had recruited local operatives, namely Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who were tasked with carrying out the attack under their direct instructions,” the agency had said.
Timeline of Terror Attacks orchestrated by Happy Passia
Between 2024 and 2025, Happy Passia allegedly orchestrated or facilitated over 14 terrorist attacks, across Punjab, targeting police stations, religious places, and residences of public figures
November 24, 2024 – Ajnala Police Station: RDX planted outside the station; did not explode. Passia claimed responsibility. Two suspects arrested with hand grenades.
November 27 – Gurbakhsh Nagar: Grenade explosion at an abandoned police post.
December 2 – Kathgarh (SBS Nagar): Grenade attack. Three terrorists arrested; arms recovered.
December 4 – Majitha Police Station: Explosion dismissed by police as a tire burst. Former MLA Bikram Majithia shared images suggesting a terror attack.
December 13 – Aliwal Batala: Nighttime grenade blast. Responsibility claimed by Passia and his associate.
December 17 – Police Station: Initially denied, but later confirmed by Punjab DGP as a terror bombing.
January 16 – Jaitypur, Amritsar: Grenade thrown at liquor trader Amandeep Jaitypuriya’s residence.
January 19 – Gumtala Police Post, Amritsar: Bomb blast. Babbar Khalsa International claimed responsibility.
February 3 – Fatehgarh Churian Road: Grenade attack on closed police post. Authorities denied terror link.
February 14 – Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur: Low-intensity explosion outside a policeman’s home.
March 15 – Thakur Dwara Temple, Amritsar: Attack led to a police encounter in which accused Gursidik Singh was killed.
