It is believed that he spent these years in the US meditating in the house of Sikhs which belonged to the Taksal, and that he gained dual citizenship of the United States.

Despite this situation, most of the Sikh community acknowledged Baba Harnam Singh as the rightful successor.

In 2017, he was officially declared as the successor to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the 16th Jathedar of Damdami Taksal by the SGPC.

After this attack had been carried out, most people of Punjab, India had suspected Damdami Taksal under the leadership of Baba Harnam Singh to have had a hand in the event.

Within a few days, Baba Harnam Singh had openly spoken about this attack and stated that some students of the Taksal had taken part of what had occurred, but that he was unaware and had condemned the atrocity.