What Led to the NIA's Major Raids Across 17 Locations in Punjab Over Khalistani Arms Plot?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NIA conducted raids at 17 locations in Punjab.
- Connected to Khalistani arms plot involving Babbar Khalsa International.
- Gangster Happy Passian is a significant suspect.
- Evidence includes mobile phones and digital devices.
- The operation aims to uncover a broader terror network.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed extensive searches throughout Punjab as part of an investigation into a terror plot involving operatives from Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The targeted locations were associated with gangster Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passian, who has close ties to the Khalistani terrorist Harwinder Singh, referred to as Rinda.
A total of 17 sites were investigated across Gurdaspur, Batala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Faridkot. Officials reported the seizure of numerous incriminating materials, such as mobile phones, digital storage devices, and documents, which are now under close examination by investigators.
The raids stemmed from an ongoing case where Happy Passian is a principal suspect. Now residing in the United States, Passian is identified as a key conspirator behind recent grenade assaults targeting police stations and posts in both Punjab and Haryana. He has been declared a proclaimed offender in this investigation.
The NIA asserts that Passian is a crucial link in Rinda’s transnational terror network, which collaborates with international associates, notably in Pakistan. Investigators suspect that he has been actively enlisting operatives within India and facilitating the acquisition of weapons, explosives, and financial backing for BKI’s terrorist endeavors.
This case was initiated by the NIA following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. To date, five individuals have been apprehended, and three have been chargesheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. An additional 12 individuals, including Rinda, Lakhbir Singh (also known as Landa), and Passian himself, have been named as accused. Of these, seven individuals, including the three, have been declared proclaimed offenders.
The anti-terror agency is actively investigating the broader conspiracy and analyzing the evidence collected during Thursday's raids to identify additional suspects and unveil the full scope of the terror network's operations.