A Canadian police officer has been suspended following his involvement in a pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton, as reported by local media sources.
The incident unfolded on Sunday when protestors waving Khalistani flags engaged in clashes with attendees at the Hindu temple, disrupting a consular event jointly organized by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. The tension escalated when demonstrators interrupted the proceedings, leading to confrontations between protestors and worshippers.
CONFIRMED.
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) November 4, 2024
Peel regional police Sgt. Harinder Sohi was part of the Khalistani attack on Hindu worshippers at the Sabha Mandir. Sgt. Sohi has been suspended for now. pic.twitter.com/ehXGi1yUxb
Unverified footage from the protest has been circulating on social media platforms, showing demonstrators holding banners advocating for Khalistan independence. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) highlighted these videos, which appear to include the suspended officer in attendance.
Richard Chin, Media Relations Officer for Peel Police, addressed the situation in an email to CBC News. “We are aware of a video circulating on social media which shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration,” Chin stated. “This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until such time that this investigation is complete.”
🚨BREAKING🚨 Source: Off-Duty Peel Police Sergeant part of Khalistan mob attacking Hindu Temple.
— DonaldBest.CA * DO NOT COMPLY (@DonaldBestCA) November 4, 2024
A man said to be @PeelPolice Sergeant Harinder SOHI is visible in videos and photographs of the Sunday November 3, 2024 attack at Brampton Hindu Sabha Temple. (Attached)
Purported… pic.twitter.com/fQ4jvTkGwd
The Peel Police Department has previously reported that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that erupted during the Indian consular officials’ visit to the temple on Sunday.
The unrest did not remain confined to Brampton. Later that day, demonstrators proceeded to the Westwood Mall in neighboring Mississauga, followed by a third protest outside the Malton Gurdwara on Airport Road, as reported by the World Sikh Organisation of Canada. Authorities noted that while these demonstrations occurred at distinct locations, they appeared interconnected, with multiple incidents of altercations between protestors and worshippers.
In response to the events, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Monday condemning the attack on the temple. “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario. We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks,” stated MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The ministry also expressed deep concern regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals residing in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to prosecute those responsible for the violence.
The suspension of the Peel Police officer underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Khalistan separatism in Canada, a country with a significant Sikh population and historical ties to the movement. As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant, advocating for peaceful dialogue and the protection of religious and cultural institutions from extremist actions.
