The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Harpreet Singh, a terrorist involved in attacks in Punjab, on Friday in the United States.
The FBI confirmed that Singh, linked to two international terrorist organizations, had entered the US illegally and used burner phones to evade detection.
In a post shared on X, FBI Sacramento stated, "Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture."
On March 23, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against four operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist group in connection with the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack.
The accused include Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Both Rinda and Passia were key conspirators behind the attack, providing logistical support, funds, weapons, and ammunition to operatives in India to execute the attack.
The grenade assault, which took place in September 2024, was intended to target a retired Punjab Police officer, though the assailants mistakenly believed him to be the current occupant of the house.
The attack was part of a larger strategy to spread fear among law enforcement and the general public, and to further the agenda of BKI. Investigations revealed that Rinda and Passia orchestrated the plot and enlisted local operatives, Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who were instructed to conduct reconnaissance on the target twice before carrying out the attack.
The NIA chargesheet, filed before the Special NIA Court in Chandigarh in case RC15/2024/NIA/DLI, charges all four accused with multiple violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related provisions.
Ongoing investigations are focused on dismantling the BKI network in India, with the NIA continuing efforts to track down additional members.
Earlier, in December of the previous year, Punjab Police had successfully dismantled a terror module linked to BKI, led by Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey, arresting five members, including mastermind Abhijot Singh. This group was responsible for a grenade attack on two police establishments in Batala and Gurdaspur.