A statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, an iconic figure in Sikh history, was defaced during a pro-Palestinian protest in Malton, Mississauga, on September 28, triggering widespread outrage within the Sikh community across Canada. The incident occurred near the Great Punjab Business Centre while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended an event at a nearby banquet hall.
The act of vandalism was captured in a 37-second video that quickly circulated on social media. In the footage, two masked individuals can be seen defacing the statue of the revered Sikh leader, causing offense to many. The video, shared by a user named Leviathan on platform X (formerly Twitter), also identified one of the vandals as Hosaam Hamdan, a known protester with a history of similar incidents targeting culturally significant monuments.
Leviathan’s post read: “Frequently masked protester Hosaam Hamdan defacing a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Brampton, a massive insult to the Sikh community as he is the first Maharaja & founder of the Sikh Empire.” The video has since ignited discussions about the increasing targeting of cultural and religious symbols in Canada.
Commenting on the situation, National Telegraph senior correspondent Daniel Bordman also expressed his concerns, stating: “Jihadists in Brampton, Canada, attack and deface a statue of Ranjit Singh. This isn’t about Israel or Palestine—it’s about the destruction of everything that is not part of the Muslim Brotherhood’s worldview.”
The Peel Regional Police have been notified and are currently investigating the incident, though no official statement has been released. Calls for swift justice from the Sikh community have echoed across social media platforms and community forums, urging authorities to act against those responsible for the vandalism.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as the “Lion of Punjab,” was the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. He is celebrated not only for his military prowess but also for his leadership in fostering religious tolerance, uniting Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans under one administration. His reign is considered a golden era in Sikh history, and his legacy continues to inspire pride among Sikhs worldwide.
As the investigation continues, tensions remain high, with many expressing concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism targeting cultural and religious symbols. The Sikh community is urging law enforcement to take immediate action and prevent further offenses against their heritage.