"he entered the US illegally and used burner phones"
Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, was arrested on April 17 in Sacramento, California, by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Singh is accused of orchestrating multiple violent incidents in Punjab, India, and is reportedly affiliated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a group banned in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and India.
Authorities allege that Singh entered the United States illegally in 2021 via the Mexico border, purportedly with the assistance of a human trafficking network.
He is believed to have used burner phones and encrypted messaging apps to avoid detection.
Following his arrest, the FBI wrote on X:
“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 US illegally and used burner phones to evade capture.”
Harpreet Singh is implicated in 17 criminal cases in Punjab, encompassing charges of violent acts, international conspiracy, and unlawful activities.
Notably, he is suspected of involvement in a grenade attack in Chandigarh in September 2024, targeting a retired Punjab Police officer.
Investigations suggest he collaborated with Harvinder Singh Sandhu, also known as Rinda, a Pakistan-based individual associated with BKI.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has filed charges against Singh under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
He is currently in ICE custody and retains the right to contest his deportation.
Babbar Khalsa International, established in the late 1970s, advocates for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state.
The group has been involved in various violent activities, including the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, which resulted in 329 deaths.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of violent incidents linked to Khalistan supporters.
In November 2024, violent clashes erupted outside a temple in Brampton, Canada, involving individuals waving Khalistan flags and attacking temple-goers with flagpoles and sticks.
The incident led to multiple arrests and widespread condemnation from Canadian leaders, including then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Local authorities have since proposed measures to restrict protests near places of worship to prevent further violence.
In March 2025, during a visit to London, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar faced a security breach when a pro-Khalistan protester attempted to obstruct his convoy outside Chatham House.
The individual was swiftly apprehended by the Met Police, and the Indian government lodged a formal protest with the UK authorities over the incident.
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