Happy Passia, who was reportedly apprehended by U.S. security agencies on Thursday, has become a significant concern for the Punjab Police in recent months, as he is believed to be the mastermind behind a series of 16 targeted grenade attacks across the state. Originally named Harpreet Singh and hailing from Passia village in Ajnala, he has proven to be a formidable adversary for law enforcement due to his deep entanglement in both criminal and terrorist activities. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against Passia and his associate Harvinder Singh Rinda in connection with various terror incidents, including the notorious grenade attack in Chandigarh in 2024.
Passia’s involvement in at least 16 grenade attacks in Punjab has specifically targeted police stations, religious sites, and the homes of prominent figures, such as BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. These violent acts are part of a calculated strategy aimed at instilling fear within the community and undermining the authority of law enforcement agencies.
In September 2024, Passia was behind a grenade attack on a residence in Sector 10, Chandigarh, which was aimed at former Jalandhar SP Jaskirat Singh Chahal and his family. Investigations indicated that this attack was orchestrated from the United States, with operatives acting under Passia’s direction.
Another incident linked to Passia occurred at a constable’s home in Raimal village, Punjab, where he publicly claimed responsibility for the grenade attack via social media, openly mocking law enforcement in the process.
In collaboration with Harwinder Singh Sandhu, also known as Rinda, a terrorist based in Pakistan, Passia has been instrumental in establishing terror modules within Punjab. These groups are involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, smuggling, and violent assaults.
Moreover, Passia’s network is suspected of having connections to the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, underscoring the troubling links between local gangs in Punjab and international terrorist organizations.
