Ottawa/Chandigarh, 05 November 2024: A Peel Regional Police officer faced suspension on Monday after a viral video surfaced showing his involvement in a pro-Khalistan protest outside Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, Canadian media reported.
Authorities confirmed that Sergeant Harinder Sohi, identified in the footage, was captured off-duty, carrying a Khalistan flag amidst chants against India.
Richard Chin, Peel Regional Police’s media relations officer, acknowledged the incident in a statement to CBC News. “We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an off-duty Peel Police officer engaged in a demonstration,” he wrote, confirming that Sohi’s suspension followed protocol under the Community Safety and Policing Act. Chin added, “We are examining the complete context of the video and will refrain from further comments until the investigation concludes.”
The demonstration escalated into violence on Sunday as Indian consular officials visited the temple. Social media videos depict clashes between pro-Khalistan demonstrators—waving flags and banners—and other attendees holding India’s national flag. The footage shows physical altercations, including individuals hitting one another with poles on the temple’s grounds.
Peel police responded by relocating the gathering to two alternate sites in nearby Mississauga, where additional protests occurred. Police had bolstered their presence around the temple earlier on Sunday in anticipation of the event. “While we respect the right to peaceful protest, we have zero tolerance for violence and criminal conduct,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah stated, affirming that those involved in violent acts would be “pursued, arrested, and charged.”
Political leaders across Canada condemned the violence, which added strain to already tense diplomatic relations with India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the incident in an unusually direct statement, urged the Canadian government, led by Justin Trudeau, to ensure justice and maintain rule of law. “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada,” Modi posted on X. “Equally troubling are the efforts to intimidate our diplomats. Acts of violence will never diminish India’s resilience.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed “deep concern” over the security of its citizens in Canada, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urging Canadian authorities to prosecute those responsible. “We denounce the violent acts by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton,” Jaiswal stated. “The Canadian government must ensure protection for all places of worship against such assaults.”
