Punjab to Extradite Happy Passia. Photo Credit: The Tribune
Punjab is moving forward to extradite Happy Passia, a Khalistani terrorist wanted for orchestrating 14 grenade attacks across the state. According to The Tribune Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, was recently arrested in the United States and is likely to be brought back to India soon to face trial for a series of terror strikes that shocked the region.
Accused of Orchestrating a Series of Attacks
Happy Passia has been named in over 33 FIRs, including for grenade attacks on police stations, religious sites, and the house of a former minister. His name also surfaced in connection with an RPG attack and an IED blast. Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that the attacks were part of a larger conspiracy hatched with handlers based in Pakistan, particularly those affiliated with the proscribed group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
He is accused of playing a pivotal role in recruiting, funding, and coordinating terror modules in India from abroad, using encrypted communication and illicit channels.
Arrested in the US, Extradition in Progress
In April, Happy Passia was detained in Sacramento, California, in a joint operation involving the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His arrest was made possible through an Interpol Blue Notice issued at the request of Indian agencies. Sources in the Punjab Police and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have confirmed that formal extradition procedures are underway and being pursued with urgency.
Officials say he may be extradited directly or deported due to immigration violations. Either way, authorities are confident that legal formalities will be completed soon.
Changing US Stance on Khalistani Extremism
The arrest of Happy Passia marks a noticeable shift in the United States’ approach to Khalistani-linked terror operatives. Earlier perceived by some as political activists, such figures are now being scrutinized as part of transnational terror networks. The FBI has indicated its commitment to cooperating with Indian agencies to dismantle these international cells.
This development is seen as a diplomatic win for India, which has long expressed concerns over extremists operating from foreign soil under the guise of free speech.
Terror Funding, Radical Recruitment and Cross-Border Links
Investigators believe that Happy Passia, with backing from Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Rinda and other BKI handlers, facilitated the radicalisation of vulnerable youth in Punjab. Many of these recruits were drug users or individuals in financial distress, who were lured into carrying out attacks in exchange for money, drugs, or promises of status.
The weapons and explosives used in the attacks were reportedly smuggled through cross-border tunnels and drone drops, further confirming Pakistan’s involvement in fueling unrest in Punjab.
NIA Raids and Crackdown Intensify
In response to the attacks linked to Passia and his associates, the NIA launched coordinated raids across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Several hideouts were busted, and digital evidence, including encrypted chats, propaganda videos, and financial transaction trails, were seized.
These raids helped unearth a broader network of sleeper cells that had been activated to destabilize peace in Punjab. Many operatives were trained abroad and were in direct contact with foreign handlers.
Connection to Sidhu Moosewala Case
Happy Passia’s name has also surfaced in intelligence reports related to the murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. While investigations are still ongoing, the overlap between the two cases has led agencies to believe in a larger, coordinated attempt to disrupt law and order using high-profile killings and terror strikes.
Implications for National Security
The extradition of Happy Passia will mark a critical moment in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. It will not only bring a key conspirator to justice but also send a strong message to terror sympathisers and handlers operating from foreign countries.
With the support of international partners and tightening of security protocols within the country, Indian agencies are now more equipped to take on radicalised elements threatening national security.
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