In a major development underscoring growing global concern over cross-border terrorism, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States has arrested Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist wanted in connection with a series of deadly attacks in India. Singh, also known by his alias Happy Passia, has been linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the pro-Khalistan extremist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), according to a statement by the FBI.
Singh was taken into custody by FBI agents and Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) personnel in Sacramento, California. He had reportedly entered the U.S. illegally and managed to evade capture for months using burner phones and encrypted messaging applications.
The FBI emphasized that Singh’s arrest highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing global security threats. U.S. authorities worked closely with their counterparts at the FBI’s legal attaché office in New Delhi, who provided information about Singh’s alleged role in no fewer than 16 terror attacks in India.
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
“This case reinforces the importance of international cooperation in apprehending those who threaten global security,” said the FBI in a statement posted to social media.
The 37-year-old Singh, a known associate of the Bhagwanpuria gang, is accused of transitioning from organized crime into terrorism under the influence of Pakistan-based designated terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda. Singh and Rinda were both named in a chargesheet filed in connection with a hand grenade attack in Chandigarh in October 2024, which targeted the residence of a retired Punjab Police officer.
Singh is believed to have played a key logistical role in that and several other attacks by supplying explosives, firearms, and other materials through his network of local contacts. In January 2025, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Authorities in India have registered 33 FIRs against Singh across various police stations and issued 10 lookout circulars in his name. His record, according to a police dossier, marks a troubling pattern of escalation—from gang violence to orchestrating acts of terror under the command of foreign-based militant leaders.
Between late 2024 and early 2025, BKI is suspected to have coordinated 16 attacks across Punjab, including 14 grenade assaults, one improvised explosive device (IED) attack, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) strike. These were primarily aimed at police establishments and the homes of law enforcement officials.
Singh’s arrest is being hailed by both Indian and American officials as a crucial step in dismantling a growing nexus between organized crime, international terrorism, and state-sponsored extremism. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to seek his extradition to India to face charges for his alleged role in the series of attacks that have shaken the region.
