Chandigarh: Harpreet Singh, infamously known as Happy Passia, a gangster-turned-terrorist with deep-rooted links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), is set to be deported from the United States to India in the coming days. Indian security agencies have received official confirmation from US authorities regarding the approval of his deportation.
Passia, who entered the US illegally in 2021 using human trafficking routes, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Sacramento, California, in April 2025. His arrest was the culmination of months of coordinated surveillance and intelligence sharing between Indian and American agencies.
Authorities in India have been seeking his extradition since early 2024, after his name emerged as a key conspirator in a series of terror attacks in Punjab. He is accused of orchestrating at least 14 grenade and IED attacks on police stations, religious sites, and the homes and vehicles of prominent individuals across the state between 2023 and 2025. The attacks were designed to spread fear and revive Khalistani militancy in the region.
According to intelligence sources, even after relocating to the US, Passia continued to manage terror activities remotely. He operated through a sophisticated network using burner phones, coded communication, and hawala channels to fund operatives in India. He is believed to have been a critical logistics and communication node for Babbar Khalsa, with operational ties to Harwinder Singh Rinda, a key BKI handler backed by Pakistan’s ISI.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had declared a ₹5 lakh reward in January 2025 for information leading to his arrest. Based on their request, Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice to track his international movement. Passia’s apprehension and pending deportation have been described by Indian security officials as a “major breakthrough” in dismantling a transnational terror network.
According to Punjab Police officials, his activities were linked not only to the smuggling of arms and explosives into India but also to recruitment and radicalisation of youth through digital propaganda originating from overseas. Several of his local contacts have already been arrested in recent months in a wide-ranging crackdown against BKI modules operating in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
“Happy Passia represents the new face of transnational Khalistani terrorism—operating across borders with support from hostile agencies. His deportation will allow us to uncover deeper conspiracies and prosecute him for his crimes on Indian soil,” a senior official in the NIA said.
After his return to India, Passia will face trial under multiple serious charges including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosives Act, and several sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case is also expected to shed light on the operational structure of foreign-based Khalistani handlers who exploit diaspora networks and digital anonymity to execute attacks in India.
Passia was previously associated with Punjab’s gangster network—specifically the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang—before moving toward Khalistani extremism. His transformation from local gangster to ISI-linked terror operative has raised serious concerns over the merging of crime and terrorism, especially under the influence of foreign handlers.
While it is unclear whether his return will be formally treated as an extradition or deportation, Indian officials say the distinction is secondary to the larger goal of ensuring justice. Deportation is generally quicker and requires fewer legal proceedings compared to extradition.
With Passia’s return imminent, Indian agencies are also stepping up efforts to dismantle the rest of the BKI infrastructure operating through sleeper cells and digital networks. Officials believe his interrogation could lead to further arrests and recovery of arms caches.
This development comes amid rising concerns over the re-emergence of Khalistani elements abroad, especially in North America and Europe, with open backing from Pakistan’s deep state. The Indian government has repeatedly flagged the use of international soil for anti-India activities at diplomatic forums.
As security agencies prepare to receive one of the most wanted terror fugitives in recent years, Passia’s arrest and deportation may mark a turning point in India’s counter-terror efforts—particularly against externally-funded Khalistani terrorism.
