In a turbulent day marked by multiple protests, four individuals have been arrested, and a police officer has sustained injuries during a violent confrontation at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario. Peel Regional Police confirmed these events in a statement on Monday.
The protests began on the afternoon of November 4, 2024, at a Hindu temple near The Gore Road, where officers were initially called to respond to a trespassing complaint involving a group of demonstrators. The protesters then moved to two additional locations in Mississauga: one near Goreway and Etude Drives and another in the vicinity of Airport and Drew Roads.
“While these demonstrations occurred at three distinct locations, they appear interconnected,” police noted in their release. Violent altercations between protestors and temple-goers ensued, leading to one officer suffering minor injuries.
Footage circulating on social media shows skirmishes outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, during which Khalistan flags were seen prominently displayed, symbolizing the demand for Sikh independence from India.
The arrested individuals have been identified as 42-year-old Dilpreet Singh Bouns of Mississauga, 23-year-old Vikas from Brampton, and 31-year-old Amritpal Singh from Mississauga. A fourth individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended on an unrelated warrant and subsequently released.
In a surprising turn, an off-duty Peel Regional Police officer was also seen participating in one of the demonstrations. The officer has been suspended, pending a comprehensive investigation. “We are aware of a video on social media showing an off-duty officer involved in the protest. This officer has been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” police announced. The statement emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both weighed in on the incident. Trudeau condemned the violence, stressing that every Canadian should be able to practice their faith without fear. “Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for quickly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,” Trudeau stated.
Prime Minister Modi described the event at the Hindu Sabha Mandir as a “deliberate attack” and denounced efforts to intimidate Indian diplomats. “These acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We urge the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Modi declared.
The protest was reportedly organized by Sikhs for Justice, a group advocating for Khalistan, in response to the presence of Indian officials at the temple, who were offering consular services.
This incident adds further strain to Canada-India relations, which have been tense following allegations from Ottawa about India’s involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year. The Indian government has denied these claims and condemned accusations made by Prime Minister Trudeau.