Who is Happy Pasia? The Mastermind Behind Punjab's Grenade Attacks Finally Caught

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The mastermind behind the grenade attacks on police stations and checkpoints in Punjab, terrorist Happy Pasia, has finally been caught in the United States. He was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His arrest is being considered a major breakthrough for both the Punjab Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The NIA had announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for information leading to Happy Pasia’s capture. He was in contact with Harvinder Singh Rinda, a terrorist based in Pakistan and linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). In the past four months, Pasia is believed to have orchestrated more than 14 grenade attacks in Punjab. He had also claimed responsibility on social media for a grenade attack on a police officer’s residence in Chandigarh.

Happy Pasia’s tactics involved luring drug-addicted youth with money, drugs, and the promise of settling abroad. Once hooked, he would threaten them and force them into carrying out attacks. Most of those arrested in connection with these attacks had no prior criminal record, but fell into the trap due to addiction and the lure of quick money. He also issued threats to avenge the deaths of his associates killed in police encounters. He had taken responsibility for three explosions outside the Kila Lal Singh police station in Gurdaspur as well.

Who is Happy Pasia?

Happy Pasia hails from Pasia village in rural Amritsar and is reportedly only educated up to the 10th grade. Despite his limited formal education, he rose to become a mastermind in the world of terror. Following his arrest, the Indian government has initiated the process for his extradition from the U.S.