FBI Arrests Punjab Terror Suspect Harpreet Singh, Director Kash Patel Promises Justice

In a major breakthrough against transnational terrorism, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Harpreet Singh, an Indian gangster-turned-terrorist, in the United States. Singh, who had been wanted in connection with multiple terror attacks across the Indian state of Punjab, was taken into custody in Sacramento, California, on April 18. The operation was conducted by the FBI along with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO).

FBI Director Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to head the prestigious agency, announced the arrest publicly and assured that justice will be served. In a statement, he described Singh as part of an "alleged foreign terrorist gang" who had illegally entered the United States and was believed to be involved in planning attacks on police stations both in India and the US.

“Excellent work from all, and justice will be done,” Patel posted, emphasizing that the FBI remains committed to pursuing individuals who promote violence, no matter where they are hiding.

Harpreet Singh, also known by aliases Happy Passia and Jora, is accused of collaborating with Pakistan’s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and the Khalistani terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). These groups have long been under scrutiny for fueling separatist violence in Punjab and targeting Indian institutions.

Singh had been evading capture for years by using untraceable burner phones and encrypted communication apps, making it difficult for agencies to track his movements. His arrest is being seen as a result of extensive international coordination, especially between US and Indian law enforcement agencies.

In India, Singh is wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a 2024 grenade attack on a residence in Sector 10/D of Chandigarh. He hails from Ajnala tehsil in Amritsar, Punjab. In January this year, the NIA had declared a cash reward of ₹5 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

The FBI’s Sacramento office, which led the investigation, highlighted the importance of global cooperation in tackling threats to international security. “This case reinforces the importance of international cooperation in apprehending those who threaten global security,” the agency said.

Singh’s arrest not only brings relief to Indian authorities but also signals a strong message that the United States will not allow its soil to be used as a haven for foreign extremists. With the FBI under Kash Patel’s leadership, the agency appears more determined than ever to dismantle terror networks operating across borders.