Wanted in Sidhu Moosewala case, 16 grenade attacks in Punjab, Happy Passia detained in US

Happy Passia– reportedly detained by the US security agencies on Thursday–has been the biggest headache for the Punjab Police in recent months as he was the alleged mastermind behind 16 targeted grenade attacks in the state.

Originally known as Harpreet Singh from Passia village in Ajnala, he has emerged as a formidable challenge for the Punjab Police due to his extensive involvement in criminal and terrorist activities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also chargesheeted Passia along with his partner Harvinder Singh Rinda in a number of terror incidents, including the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack case.

Criminal activities

Grenade attacks

Passia has been linked to at least 16 grenade attacks in Punjab, targeting police posts, religious sites, and residences of public figures, such as BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. These attacks were part of a broader strategy to instill fear and undermine law enforcement.

Chandigarh grenade attack

In September 2024, Passia orchestrated a grenade attack on a house in Sector 10, Chandigarh, targeting former Jalandhar SP Jaskirat Singh Chahal and his family. Investigations revealed that the attack was coordinated from the US through operatives under his command.

Raimal village attack

Another grenade attack at a constable’s house in Raimal village, Punjab, also bore Passia’s signature. He boldly claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, directly taunting law enforcement.

Terror modules

Passia, alongside Harwinder Singh Sandhu (alias Rinda), a Pakistan-based terrorist, has played a pivotal role in setting up terror modules in Punjab. These modules engage in extortion, smuggling, and violent attacks.

Sidhu Moosewala case connection

Passia’s network is suspected of involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, highlighting the nexus between Punjab gangs and international terror networks.

How he challenged Punjab Police

Evading arrest

Passia has consistently outmaneuvered the police by using untraceable phones with varying country codes, making his location difficult to pinpoint.

Social media claims

Following attacks like the ones in Chandigarh and Raimal village, Passia took to social media platforms to boast about his involvement, openly challenging the authorities.

International operations

His illegal entry into the U.S. in 2021 through a human trafficking network allowed him to orchestrate activities from abroad. This posed significant hurdles for Punjab Police, who struggled to counteract his international reach.

Punjab