Pashia lures vulnerable youth for criminal & terror activities

Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Pashia, a US-based gangster-turned-terrorist, is actively recruiting vulnerable youth from weaker sections in the Ramdass (Amritsar) and Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur) regions near the international border for criminal and terror operations. Pashia, wanted in over 15 cases of murder, attempted murder and extortion, has been linked to multiple criminal modules in Punjab.

The arrest of Rohan Masih, a daily wage labourer, highlights Pashia’s strategy of exploiting impoverished individuals for illegal activities. Rohan was arrested by the Punjab Police for his involvement in the Chandigarh grenade blast. Sources revealed that he was paid a minimal amount, mainly covering his basic living expenses and food, for conducting the attack.

Earlier this year, a terror module run by Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and Happy Pashia was dismantled by the police. Three individuals were arrested, two of whom were involved in smuggling weapons from the international border through drones. They had received only a meager sum of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for their participation.

Rohan, who comes from a poor family, was a daily wager like his father, while his mother is separated from the family. His involvement in the Chandigarh blast came as a surprise to his community. He is currently in the custody of the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) and will soon be transferred to Chandigarh for further investigation.

Pashia has been repeatedly named in several extortion cases and terror activities across Punjab. Since January, the Punjab Police have dismantled several terror modules with Pashia’s involvement. His role includes providing arms, ammunition and logistical support to foot soldiers recruited for carrying out attacks and other criminal operations.