FBI Director Kash Patel has praised the successful operation that led to the arrest of alleged Khalistani extremist Harpreet Singh, also known as “Happy Passia,” calling it a result of strong collaboration between U.S. and Indian agencies.
In a statement posted on social media, Patel said, “HARPREET SINGH, part of an alleged foreign terrorist gang here illegally in the United States, who we believe was involved in planning multiple attacks on police stations both in India and the United States.”
He also praised the FBI’s Sacramento field office for conducting the investigation, saying,
“Excellent work from all, and justice will be done. The FBI will continue finding those who perpetrate violence — no matter where they are.”
Singh was arrested on Friday in Sacramento by FBI agents and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). He had reportedly entered the United States illegally, using burner phones and encrypted communication apps to evade detection.
According to the FBI, Singh is associated with two international terrorist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which is banned in India for its violent efforts to establish a separate Khalistani state. He is also believed to have ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agency and is suspected of orchestrating attacks targeting Indian law enforcement and civilians.
Indian authorities had offered a ₹500,000 (AUD10,000) reward for Singh’s capture, linking him to a grenade attack on the home of a retired police officer in Chandigarh in September 2024. In March, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charges against Singh and three others, including Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, for their roles in the attack.
The NIA alleges that Singh and Rinda provided logistical support, funding, and weapons, coordinating with India-based operatives. Indian media reports also link Singh to 14 of 16 recent grenade attacks across Punjab targeting police stations, religious sites, and high-profile individuals.
Singh remains in U.S. custody and has not issued any public response to the charges. Meanwhile, India continues to push for the dismantling of BKI’s international networks and the extradition of wanted individuals involved in cross-border terrorism.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
