Punjab: Pashia lures youth into criminal and terrorist activities

Punjab: Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Pashiah, an American gangster-turned-terrorist, has been actively recruiting youth from vulnerable sections in Ramdas (Amritsar) and Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur) areas near the international border for criminal and terror operations. Pashiah, wanted in over 15 cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion, has been linked to several criminal gangs in Punjab. The arrest of daily wage labourer Rohan Masih throws light on Pashiah’s strategy of exploiting poor individuals for his illegal activities. Rohan was arrested by Punjab Police for his involvement in the Chandigarh grenade blast. Sources revealed that he was given a meagre amount of money to carry out the attack, which mainly covered his basic living and food expenses.

Earlier this year, a terror gang run by Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda and Happy Pashiah was busted by the police. Three persons were arrested, two of whom were involved in smuggling weapons from the international border through drones. They had received only a meagre sum of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for their involvement. Rohan, who comes from a poor family, was a daily wage labourer like his father, while his mother lives separately 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 shifted to Chandigarh for further investigation. Pashia’s name has repeatedly cropped up in several extortion cases and terror activities across Punjab. Since January, the Punjab Police has busted several terror modules involving Pashia. His role involves providing arms, ammunition and logistical support to foot soldiers recruited to carry out attacks and other criminal operations.