New York/Chandigarh: Authorities have apprehended Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, a gangster turned terrorist linked to numerous attacks in Punjab. His arrest in the United States was confirmed by officials on Friday.

Passia, who entered the US illegally, was taken into custody by the FBI and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Sacramento, as reported by federal law enforcement.

Gaurav Yadav, the chief of Punjab Police, described this arrest as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against terrorism. He mentioned that discussions with the central government are underway to facilitate Passia's extradition.

From 2023 to 2025, Passia was reportedly instrumental in orchestrating targeted killings, grenade assaults on police facilities, and extortion activities across Punjab and neighboring states.

The FBI Sacramento tweeted about the arrest, stating, "Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the #FBI & #ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the US illegally and used burner phones to evade capture."

FBI agents in New Delhi had alerted their Sacramento counterparts about Passia's involvement in multiple terror incidents in Punjab.

According to the FBI, Passia had been evading law enforcement by utilizing untraceable burner phones and encrypted messaging apps. This case highlights the critical need for international collaboration in capturing individuals who pose a threat to global safety.

Sources from Punjab revealed that Passia is implicated in 16 terror attacks, including 14 grenade incidents, and is suspected of working with the Khalistani terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

In January, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to Passia's capture, particularly in relation to a grenade attack on a residence in Chandigarh last September.

Passia, along with Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu, was named in a charge sheet filed by the NIA.

Investigations by Punjab Police indicated that Passia supplied explosives, weapons, and logistical support to the accused through local contacts.

The grenade attack in September 2024 was aimed at a retired Punjab Police officer, who was mistakenly believed to be residing at the targeted location in Chandigarh.

Punjab Police have registered 33 FIRs against Passia across various police stations and issued 10 lookout circulars for his arrest, as detailed in a dossier prepared by the department.

Originating from Pashia village in Amritsar district, Passia left for Dubai in April 2018 and returned to India in February 2019. He then moved to London in October 2020 before relocating to the US.

Initially, Passia was associated with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, including US-based members Darmanjot Singh (Darman Kahlon) and Amritpal Singh (Amrit Bal).

This connection marked the beginning of Passia's involvement in organized crime, which later led to his collaboration with Rinda.

Rinda recently enlisted Passia to carry out terror attacks in Punjab.

Between September and October 2023, Passia, in partnership with Rinda, executed a series of extortion and terror operations in Punjab, targeting liquor contractors and business owners through threats and violent acts.

Numerous terror and criminal networks linked to the Rinda-Passia alliance have been dismantled by Punjab Police, which were aimed at attacking Hindu group leaders, police establishments, and liquor contractors in the Amritsar-Batala region to fund terrorism.

The collaboration between Passia and Rinda has resulted in the establishment of a dangerous network focused on executing terror acts throughout Punjab.

Passia's involvement with Rinda amplifies the seriousness of his actions.

His role in planning and executing terror modules targeting key individuals in Punjab represents a significant threat.

From late 2024 to early 2025, BKI was responsible for a series of 16 terror attacks in Punjab, including 14 grenade assaults, one IED attack, and one RPG strike aimed at police facilities and officials' residences.

A notable incident involved an IED planted near Ajnala Police Station on November 23, 2024, and a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the Qila Lal Singh police establishment in Gurdaspur on the night of April 6-7.

These attacks were coordinated by Passia under Rinda's direction, with assistance from US-based associates Gurdev Singh Jaisal Pehalwan, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawanshehria, and Germany-based Swaran Singh alias Jeevan Faujia, along with local accomplices, as per the dossier.

The Rinda-Passia network has been known to recruit minors, often struggling with substance abuse, to carry out terrorist acts in exchange for money and drugs.

In December 2024, Punjab Police arrested a 17-year-old who had planted an IED at Ajnala Police Station, revealing that he was lured into the operation with promises of drugs and cash.