Punjab terror attack mastermind Harpreet Singh arrested by FBI
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Chandigarh: Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, has been arrested by the FBI and Enforcement and Removal Operations in Sacramento, California. Singh, who entered the US illegally and used burner phones to avoid detection, is accused of orchestrating at least 16 grenade attacks in Punjab, targeting police posts, religious sites, and residences.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously charge-sheeted Singh and three other operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist organisation on March 23, in connection with the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack case. This attack was part of a broader conspiracy to promote BKI's agenda and intimidate law enforcement and the public.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) identified Sandhu and Passia as the masterminds behind the September 2024 grenade attack in Chandigarh. They provided logistical support, terror funds, weapons, and ammunition to local operatives for the execution of the attack. The target was a retired Punjab Police officer, whom the assailants believed to be residing in the house.
Investigations revealed that Rinda and Passia orchestrated the attack to instill fear among law enforcement and the public, aligning with Babbar Khalsa International's (BKI) terrorist agenda. They recruited Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who carried out the attack under their direct instructions.
Rinda and Passia directed the other accused, Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, to conduct reconnaissance on the target twice before hurling the grenade, investigations revealed.
In the chargesheet filed before the Special NIA Court in Chandigarh, all four accused have been charged under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related provisions for their roles in planning and supporting the attack.
Investigations in the case are continuing, and the NIA is trying to track down other members of the BKI terror group and dismantle its network in India.
(inputs from IANS)
