Harpreet Singh, aka Happy Passia, who is believed to have been behind the terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested in the United States this week. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) jointly carried out the operation, according to an official release.

“Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the #FBI & #ERO in Sacramento,” @FBISacramento tweeted early Friday morning (IST). “Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture.”

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Alleged terrorist Harpreet Singh named close associate of Pak-based Harwinder Singh Sandhu

In a recent National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) chargesheet, alleged terrorist Harpreet Singh was named in connection with the September 2024 attack in Chandigarh. Happy Passia – operating from the US – is believed to have been hand in glove with Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Sandhu, aka Rinda.

The chief conspirators have been accused of providing funds, weapons and logistical support to those operating in India. The local operatives who carried out the attack in India have since been identified as Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih in the same March 23 chargesheet.

The 2024 Chandigarh grenade blast case, in turn, was linked to promoting the terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International’s (BKI) agenda. As one of the primary handlers of the grenade attack, Harpreet Singh reportedly intended to target a retired Punjab Police officer. Earlier this year, the NIA even announced a Rs 5 lakh reward on the alleged terrorist who masterminded the grenade attacks on the Chandigarh house and Punjab police stations.

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“The grenade attack, which targeted former Jalandhar SP Jaskirat Singh Chahal and his family, was carried out by two persons — Rohan and Vishal Masih — who escaped after hurling the grenade. Passia later claimed responsibility for the attack on social media,” an officer said, as quoted by the Indian Express. A senior official noted that Passia illegally entered the US in 2021 “with the help of an illegal human trafficking network.” He joined forces with Rinda in 2023.

While investigations into the case continue, the chargesheet filed before the Special NIA Court, Chandigarh, for the case RC15/2024/NIA/DLI, charges all four suspected terrorists under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related provisions.