Chandigarh: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its actions in Punjab following grenade attacks in police stations and a blast at the Ludhiana court complex. The agency has announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for information on Happy Pasia, the mastermind behind these grenade attacks, who is reportedly operating from the United States. Pasia, allegedly working for Khalistani operatives in Pakistan, has been linked to a series of bombings and terror activities in Punjab.
Reward for Information on Terrorist Happy Pasia
On January 9, 2025, NIA issued a poster announcing a reward for anyone who can provide information about Happy Pasia, who is accused of orchestrating multiple grenade attacks across Punjab. Pasia, hiding abroad, is suspected of coordinating these attacks remotely. The NIA is encouraging the public to reach out via phone, WhatsApp, or email with any leads.
Legal Action and Property Seizure
As part of its crackdown, NIA has filed for arrest warrants in the Chandigarh district court regarding attacks in the city. Furthermore, the agency has seized the properties of four suspects involved in the December 23, 2021, Ludhiana court blast. The seized properties include 15 Kanal 19 Marla of land owned by Surmukh Singh, 27 Kanal 16 Marla by Dilbag Singh, 27 Kanal 16 Marla by Harpreet Singh aka Happy, and 15 Kanal 18 Marla by Rajanpreet Singh.
Connection Between Attacks and Khalistani Networks
The terror network operating in Punjab, under the leadership of Pasia, has had connections to prominent Khalistani terrorists. Pasia came to prominence after the 2021 grenade attack in Chandigarh’s Sector-10, which was later claimed by him via social media. Investigations revealed that he was working with Pakistani-based Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda. The grenade attacks were designed to intimidate local authorities and stir unrest, with Pasia using international links to fund and orchestrate these acts.
The blast on December 23, 2021, at the Ludhiana court complex left significant damage, and a forensic investigation identified the bomb maker as a former Punjab police constable. The attack, which resulted in a body found among the debris, is believed to have been a failed assassination attempt. The investigation into the blast has been taken over by NIA, which is also pursuing legal action against the identified suspects.
A String of Grenade Attacks in Punjab
The grenade attacks in Punjab have been widespread, taking place from September 2024 to December 2024. The first incident occurred on September 11, 2024, in Chandigarh’s Sector-10, followed by another attack in Amritsar’s Ajnala police station on November 24, 2024. Other significant incidents included attacks in areas like Gurbakhsh Nagar and Kathgarh police station, where multiple arrests were made, and arms were seized.
One of the most notable attacks occurred on December 4, 2024, at Majitha police station in Amritsar. Though initially dismissed by the police, former legislator Bikram Majithia later confirmed the attack was the result of a grenade blast. The police action against this attack led to a series of raids, arresting suspects and collecting evidence related to terrorist activities.
Explosions in December and January
The attacks intensified in December 2024, culminating in a grenade blast at the Aliwal Batala police station in Gurdaspur on December 13. This incident also saw NIA intervention, as the agency linked Pasia and his associates to the crime. On December 17, 2024, another grenade attack took place at the Islamabad police station in Amritsar, which was initially dismissed as an accident but later acknowledged as a terror strike by the Punjab Police.
The ongoing investigation into these attacks highlights the growing threat posed by international terrorist networks influencing local criminal elements. The NIA’s actions are part of a larger effort to dismantle these networks and bring perpetrators to justice. The public’s cooperation is crucial in neutralizing this threat, and the reward for information on Pasia aims to accelerate the process.
These developments come at a time of heightened security concerns in Punjab, as the state grapples with the rise of cross-border terrorism and local insurgency. The NIA continues its operations with a clear focus on dismantling these terror cells and preventing further destruction.
