US Detains Harpreet Singh: Key Figure in Punjab Grenade Attacks and Associate of Pakistan-Based Terrorist Rinda
Harpreet Singh, known as Happy Passia, a key figure in Punjab’s grenade attacks and associate of Pakistan-based terrorist Rinda, has been detained in the US, shedding light on transnational terror networks.
In a significant development, Harpreet Singh, widely known by his alias “Happy Passia”, has been detained by U.S. authorities in Sacramento, California. Singh is alleged to be a central figure in a series of grenade attacks in Punjab, India, and is closely associated with Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu, also known as Rinda.
Singh's apprehension was executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in collaboration with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Reports indicate that he entered the United States illegally and employed burner phones to evade detection.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India had previously announced a reward of ?5 lakh for information leading to Singh's capture, citing his alleged involvement in multiple grenade attacks targeting police stations, religious sites, and residences of public figures in Punjab.
Investigations have linked Singh to at least 14 such attacks over the past seven months. One notable incident occurred on September 11, 2024, when a grenade was hurled at the residence of retired Punjab Police officer Jaskirat Singh Chahal in Chandigarh. The attack was reportedly carried out by operatives under Singh's direction, with Singh later claiming responsibility on social media.
Singh's association with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a banned terrorist organization, and his collaboration with Rinda have been central to the NIA's investigations. The duo is accused of orchestrating these attacks to instill fear and further their separatist agenda.
The arrest of Singh in the United States marks a pivotal moment in the efforts to dismantle transnational terror networks. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing threats that transcend borders.
As legal proceedings unfold, authorities are hopeful that Singh's detention will provide critical insights into the operations of terrorist networks and aid in preventing future attacks.
This development serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by terrorism and the collective responsibility of nations to combat such threats.