Fugitive Gangster Harpreet Singh Passia Arrested by FBI in the US for Orchestrating Terror Attacks in Punjab

In a major breakthrough for Indian and US law enforcement cooperation, fugitive gangster-turned-terror operative Harpreet Singh Passia, alias Happy Passia, was finally arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and US Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Sacramento, California. Accused of masterminding a series of terrorist attacks across Punjab, Passia’s capture brings relief to Indian authorities who had been relentlessly tracking his movements for over a year. His arrest marks a critical moment in cross-border counterterrorism efforts and reflects the growing strategic alignment between India and the United States on security matters.

According to FBI Sacramento, which issued an official statement on X, Harpreet Singh Passia was taken into custody on charges of illegal entry into the United States and links to international terror outfits. The post identified Passia as a key figure in multiple terror activities in India, adding that he relied on burner phones to avoid detection and exploited the anonymity of the US immigration system to remain hidden. His capture follows coordinated investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police, both of which had confirmed his presence on American soil and had previously initiated legal proceedings against him, including lookout notices and public appeals for information.

Originally from Ajnala tehsil in Punjab’s Amritsar district, Passia is wanted in connection with 17 criminal cases in India, many of which involve violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the Arms Act. His name surfaced prominently after a string of grenade attacks rattled Punjab over the last seven months, targeting police posts, religious sites, and political figures—including a residence linked to senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. The NIA had offered a ₹5 lakh reward for any leads on Passia, and investigations connected him directly to 14 of the 16 attacks reported during this period.

Beyond his involvement in localized violence, Passia is considered a significant player in a larger international terror network. He is known to have collaborated closely with Harvinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda—a Pakistan-based terrorist reportedly affiliated with both Khalistani extremists and organized crime syndicates. In 2023, the two formed a syndicate that aggressively pursued destabilization tactics in Punjab through armed assaults and targeted violence. Rinda himself has been implicated in high-profile incidents, including the 2022 murder of singer-activist Sidhu Moosewala, which had sent shockwaves across India and drew international attention.

Passia’s illegal entry into the United States in 2021 was allegedly facilitated by a human trafficking network, underscoring the nexus between transnational crime and terrorism. Once inside the country, he adopted various aliases and utilized burner phones and other covert methods to remain under the radar. His arrest by federal agencies demonstrates the strength of intelligence-sharing mechanisms and the effectiveness of ongoing counterterrorism collaborations between India and its international partners.

The FBI’s operation to apprehend Passia has been widely welcomed in India, particularly by the security establishment, which views the arrest as a crucial step toward dismantling a dangerous terror-criminal nexus that had been taking root both within and outside India. The spotlight now turns to the legal proceedings that will follow, including the potential for his extradition to India, where he faces a litany of serious charges.

As the global fight against terrorism continues to evolve, the arrest of Harpreet Singh Passia may serve as a critical case study in effective international law enforcement cooperation and intelligence coordination. For the families of those affected by his alleged crimes in Punjab, justice may finally be within reach.

#HarpreetPassia #FBIArrest #PunjabTerrorLinks #NIAInvestigation #TerrorNetworkBust #IndiaUSCooperation

This is a web generated news web story.