Happy Passia: Khalistani Terrorist Likely to be Extradited from the US to India Soon; Accused in Multiple Terror Attacks
Notorious Khalistani terrorist Happy Passia, who is wanted in India for his involvement in a series of violent attacks, may soon be extradited from the United States. Indian authorities, including central investigation agencies, are actively coordinating with American officials to bring him back to face justice. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for any information leading to his capture and extradition.
Sources close to the matter have confirmed that Happy Passia, currently in custody in the United States, could be handed over to Indian authorities in the near future. His extradition is expected to occur under tight security protocols, given the gravity of the charges against him and his known links to terrorist organizations.
According to media reports, Indian intelligence and investigation agencies have formally reached out to US authorities, urging swift extradition proceedings. Although there has been no official confirmation from either government, credible sources indicate that the process is well underway.
Happy Passia was apprehended by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 17 in Sacramento, California. This arrest was the result of a long-standing collaborative effort between Indian agencies and their American counterparts. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and ICE acted on crucial intelligence provided by Indian security forces to detain Passia. He had been using burner phones and fake documents to enter and stay in the US illegally.
Passia has been linked to several grenade attacks in the Indian state of Punjab over the past six months. His capture is being considered a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, especially Khalistani-linked extremism. His involvement with two internationally recognized terrorist organizations has made him a high-priority target for Indian counter-terrorism units.
Series of Deadly Attacks and Criminal Activities
Between 2023 and 2025, Happy Passia is alleged to have been involved in a series of heinous crimes, including target killings, grenade attacks on police installations, and extortion activities. These violent incidents have not only disrupted peace in Punjab but have also posed significant threats to national security.
One of the earliest and most prominent instances of his involvement was the grenade attack on a private residence (kothi) located in Sector-10, Chandigarh on September 10, 2024. Following the attack, Passia reportedly took responsibility via a Facebook post made from the United States. In the post, he claimed the act was carried out under instructions from Harvinder Singh Rinda, a terrorist believed to be operating from Pakistan.
In the past seven months alone, at least 12 cases related to bomb blasts, grenade attacks, and attempts to instigate terror have been registered against Passia in various parts of Chandigarh and Punjab. The NIA, along with Punjab Police and other agencies, has been relentlessly pursuing leads to dismantle the network of which Passia is believed to be a key player.
Associations with Global Terror Networks
Investigations have revealed that Happy Passia maintained close ties with international terror outfits that promote the ideology of Khalistan. These organizations aim to create unrest in India, especially in Punjab, by carrying out targeted killings, bombings, and spreading propaganda through social media.
His modus operandi reportedly included the use of encrypted communication channels and burner phones to evade detection. The use of digital platforms for spreading terror messages and for planning attacks has also been noted as a key concern by Indian intelligence.
Final Steps Towards Extradition
The extradition of such a high-profile terrorist is a complex and sensitive process, involving diplomatic, legal, and intelligence coordination between India and the United States. However, both governments have demonstrated a shared commitment to tackling global terrorism, and this case may set a precedent for future collaborations.
Indian officials remain hopeful that the process will be completed soon, and Happy Passia will be brought to India where he can be tried for his crimes under the due process of law. If extradited, he is likely to face prosecution under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Explosives Act.
The arrest and impending extradition of Happy Passia mark a significant victory for India’s counter-terrorism operations and reflect the success of international cooperation in fighting transnational terrorism.
