Khalistani terrorist Happy Passia arrested in US, FBI exposes Pakistan’s ISI link in its statement

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Friday the “capture” of absconding gangster Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, in California. He was arrested in collaboration with immigration authorities on Thursday in Sacromanto.

He is linked to the banned group Babbar Khalsa and is a close aide of Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda.

“Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the US illegally and used burner phones to evade capture," said the FBI in a post on X.

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 U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture. pic.twitter.com/vObj2xPa8Q

— FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) April 18, 2025

The FBI’s statement read, “Singh is suspected to have collaborated with Pakistan’s Inter-State Intelligence (ISI) and the Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He had been evading capture by using untraceable burner phones and encrypted applications.”

“The case reinforces the importance of international cooperation in apprehending those who threaten global security,” the FBI said.

He was caught in Sacramento, California, by the FBI and the US immigration enforcement agency ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations). Harpreet Singh is accused of carrying out 14 terror attacks in Punjab and is allegedly linked to two international terror groups, including Babbar Khalsa International.

‘Arrest a major milestone’

The Punjab Police called the arrest of Singh “a major milestone”. In a social media post, the Punjab police chief said, “The arrest of Harpreet Singh aliast Happy Passia, a USA-based key operative of ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and close associate of #Pakistan-based Terrorist Rinda, is a major milestone in the sustained crackdown on ISI-backed terror networks.”

The police said, “Between 2023–2025, Happy Passia played a central role in orchestrating targeted killings, grenade attacks on police establishments, and extortion across #Punjab and other states. His arrest on April 17, 2025, in Sacramento, USA by FBI & ICE, is the outcome of excellent international cooperation and exchange of information between the #UnitedStates & India. The Punjab Police consistently shared intelligence with the central agencies.”

“Our resolve remains firm—to protect every citizen of the State of Punjab, dismantle terror ecosystems, and uphold peace in the face of cross-border threats.” the police said.

The arrest of Harpreet Singh @ Happy Passia, a #USA-based key operative of ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (#BKI) and close associate of #Pakistan-based Terrorist Rinda, is a major milestone in the sustained crackdown on ISI-backed terror networks.

Between 2023–2025,… pic.twitter.com/Q0VzHe1ABz

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) April 18, 2025

Harpreet Singh allegedly entered the US illegally through the Mexico border in 2021 with the help of a human trafficking network. He avoided arrest by using burner phones and encrypted apps. Authorities say he was involved in a grenade attack in Chandigarh in September 2024, which targeted a retired Punjab Police officer, along with Pakistan-based terrorist Rinda.

Singh is currently in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but has the right to fight his deportation.

Who is Harpreet Singh?

Harpreet Singh is wanted in 17 criminal cases in Punjab related to terrorism, international conspiracy, and illegal activities. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Cases against Singh includes grenade attacks targeting police posts, religious sites and homes of public figures over the past seven months, targeting police posts, religious sites and homes of public figures. He is specifically wanted in connection with a grenade attack on a house in Chandigarh city in 2024.

Anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier said that the attack was aimed at a retired Punjab police officer. In January this year, the NIA announced a reward of Rs 500,000 ($5,855) for information about Singh. Two months later, the NIA framed formal charges against Singh and three others in connection with the attack.

Happy Passia in NIA files

The NIA’s statement said the four accused belonged to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), an extremist organisation India has designated as a terrorist group.

The agency’s statement also named Singh and Harwinder Singh Sandhu, known as Rinda, referring to them as the “primary handlers and masterminds behind the attack”.

“They had provided logistical support, terror funds, weapons and ammunition to India-based on-ground operatives in Chandigarh for executing the grenade attack,” the NIA said.

The agency’s probe showed Singh and Sandhu had orchestrated the conspiracy to “strike terror among law enforcement officials and general public”. Rinda is understood to be hiding in Pakistan and remains the NIA’s “most wanted” suspect.