The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed the arrest of Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, in Sacramento, California. Singh, who had entered the United States illegally, is suspected of having close ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the banned Khalistani militant outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
The arrest was carried out by agents from the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). In a statement, the FBI’s Sacramento office revealed that Singh had been evading detection by using burner phones and encrypted communication tools. Intelligence from the FBI’s New Delhi office indicated that Singh was wanted in India for a series of terror attacks across Punjab.
Punjab’s Director General of Police described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle ISI-supported terror networks operating in the region.
Accused in Series of Punjab Attacks
Singh has been linked to at least 16 major terror incidents in Punjab over the past two years, including 14 grenade attacks, an IED explosion, and an RPG strike. One of the most notable cases involved a vehicle blast near the Gumtala police post in Amritsar in January 2025, which used a modified carburettor-based IED—a method associated with Singh’s network.
He is also believed to have orchestrated a grenade attack in Chandigarh’s Sector 10 in September 2024 targeting a retired police officer. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had placed a ₹5 lakh bounty on his arrest in connection with that case.
Links to Rinda and Global Terror Module
Authorities report that Singh started his criminal career with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang before aligning with Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. Together, they developed an extortion network targeting businessmen, liquor contractors, and Hindu leaders across Punjab. Their operations involved threats, shootings, and arson to finance terror activities.
According to a Punjab Police dossier, Singh’s international links include Gurdev Singh Jaisal Pehalwan and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawanshehria, both based in the U.S., as well as Germany-based Swaran Singh alias Jeevan Faujia.
The investigation also uncovered the group’s recruitment strategy, which allegedly involved offering money and drugs to vulnerable minors. In one instance, a 17-year-old was arrested in December 2024 for placing an IED near Ajnala Police Station, reportedly for a payment of ₹30,000 and drugs.
India Seeks Extradition
Following Singh’s arrest, Indian authorities have initiated the formal extradition process. The Punjab Police and NIA have submitted necessary documentation to U.S. agencies to secure his return to face prosecution in India.