 "FBI arrests gangster Harpreet Singh, linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Rinda, in California. Image: X")
Days after the arrest of alleged terrorist Harpreet Singh in the United States, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, on Monday assured that justice will be served.
He praised also his team and said the FBI’s Sacramento office worked closely with Indian authorities during the investigation.
“CAPTURED: HARPREET SINGH, part of an alleged foreign terrorist gang here illegally in the United States, who we believe was involved in planning multiple attacks on police stations both in India and the United States,” Patel said in a post on X.
Passia is one of India’s most wanted and has a ₹5 lakh bounty on his head. The NIA announced the reward in January for his alleged role in grenade attacks on a house in Chandigarh and police stations in Punjab.
Earlier, the US FBI announced the arrest of fugitive gangster Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, in California. He was caught in Sacramento with help from immigration authorities.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPassia is linked to the banned group Babbar Khalsa and is a close associate of Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda. 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.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier said the grenade attack targeted a retired Punjab police officer. In January, the agency announced a ₹5 lakh ($5,855) reward for information on Harpreet Singh. Two months later, it filed formal charges against him and three others.
Happy Passia in NIA records
According to the NIA, all four accused are members of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which India has designated as a terrorist organisation.
The agency named Harpreet Singh and Harwinder Singh Sandhu, also known as Rinda, as the main masterminds behind the attack.
“They provided logistical help, terror funding, weapons, and ammunition to local operatives in Chandigarh to carry out the grenade attack,” the NIA said.
Its investigation revealed that Singh and Rinda planned the attack to spread fear among law enforcement and the public. Rinda is believed to be hiding in Pakistan and is still listed as one of the NIA’s most wanted suspects.