On Friday, the NIA conducted searches at multiple premises across Punjab. These locations were linked to gangster Happy Passia, who is associated with Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh, also known as Rinda. Officials stated that the raids were part of an ongoing investigation into a larger terror conspiracy case.

NIA officers raided 17 locations across Gurdaspur, Batala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Faridkot. They seized several incriminating items, including mobile phones, digital devices, and documents.

Officials believe Passia played a key role in orchestrating grenade attacks on law enforcement facilities in Punjab. The FBI recently detained him in the U.S. based on a request from Indian authorities, mainly the NIA.

NIA investigations show that Rinda runs a network of operatives spread across multiple countries. This network actively recruits individuals in India to carry out terrorist activities.

Investigators also found that Passia took part in a criminal conspiracy to arrange funds, weapons, and explosives for field operatives of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He worked through associates and contacts based abroad, including in Pakistan. Authorities have already declared him a proclaimed offender in the case.

The NIA had registered the case suo motu against BKI operatives, following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. So far, they have arrested five people and filed a chargesheet against three of them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The agency has also named 12 others as accused. These include Rinda, another designated terrorist, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, and Happy Passia. All three, along with six others, are absconding. A total of seven accused have been declared proclaimed offenders.

The NIA continues its investigation and is actively analysing the evidence seized during Thursday’s searches.