NIA raids 17 locations in Punjab linked with gangster Happy Passian

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched multiple premises linked with gangster Happy Passian, who is connected with Khalistani terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, at various locations across Punjab in a case of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives' conspiracy, the agency said on Friday.

A total of 17 locations came under the NIA's scanner in districts of Gurdaspur, Batala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Faridkot, leading to the seizure of several incriminating materials, including mobile phones, digital devices and documents. The searches were conducted at the premises of suspects linked to Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian and his nodes based in various countries. Passian is currently in the USA, and is a key operative of Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Rinda.

Happy is believed to be the mastermind behind the series of recent grenade attacks at various police stations and police posts in Punjab and Haryana.