Mastermind behind Punjab grenade attacks Happy Passia arrested in US
PTC Web Desk: In a major breakthrough, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, the alleged mastermind behind a series of grenade attacks and terror-related activities in Punjab. Passia, a native of Amritsar, has been on the radar of Indian intelligence agencies for his involvement in over 14 terrorist incidents across Punjab.
Happy Passia is known to have close ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and has reportedly collaborated with wanted terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda and the proscribed Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to carry out attacks aimed at destabilising Punjab.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to Passia’s arrest. His profile, along with a "wanted" tag and reward details, is listed on the NIA’s official website. The reward was specifically announced in connection with the grenade attack on the Chandigarh Police Headquarters.
Sources say Passia had been in continuous contact with top ISI officials and receiving logistical and operational support from Khalistani extremist groups, which have been working to create unrest in the border state of Punjab.
Terror attacks linked to Happy Passia
November 24: RDX was planted outside Ajnala police station. Though the explosive didn’t detonate, Passia claimed responsibility. Two suspects were arrested and hand grenades were recovered.
November 27: Grenade explosion reported at an abandoned police outpost in Gurbakhsh Nagar
December 2: Grenade attack on Kathgarh police station in SBS Nagar. Police arrested three terrorists and recovered arms
December 4: An explosion occurred at the Majitha police station. Authorities initially dismissed it as a bike tyre burst, but former MLA Bikram Majithia claimed it was a terror attack with supporting photos.
December 13: Grenade blast at Aliwal Batala police station. Passia and his aides claimed responsibility. The incident occurred at night.
December 17: Grenade attack at Islamabad police station in Amritsar. While local police denied any blast, Punjab DGP later confirmed it was a terror strike.
January 16: Grenade hurled at liquor trader Amandeep Jaintipuria’s house in Jaintipur village, Amritsar
January 19: Explosion at Gumtala police outpost in Amritsar. Babbar Khalsa International claimed responsibility
February 3: Low-intensity explosion at an abandoned police post on Fatehgarh Churian Road, Amritsar. Police denied it was a grenade attack
February 14: A low-intensity blast targeted the residence of a police official in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur
March 15: Attack on Thakur Dwara temple in Amritsar. Accused terrorist Gursidak Singh was later killed in an encounter
- PTC NEWS
