Peel Regional Police have released body camera footage from a protest outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton earlier this month, affirming that the officer involved acted lawfully during the incident. The protest on November 3, involving approximately 30 participants, led to the arrest of five individuals and the suspension of an off-duty officer, Sergeant Harinder Sohi, who was part of the demonstration.
Following the protest, video footage circulated showing an on-duty officer appearing to charge toward a protester within the temple grounds. This video raised questions about the officer’s conduct, prompting a police review. In the video shared with media outlets, two groups of demonstrators—one waving pro-Khalistan flags and the other pro-India flags—stood separated by police at the temple gates. The video showed the officer breaking away from his colleagues, entering the temple grounds, and engaging in a physical altercation with an individual.
On Thursday, Peel Police released body camera footage providing additional context for the incident. According to the investigation, the officer was attempting to disarm an individual holding a wooden stick who had refused to relinquish it and became confrontational.
“During the protest, tensions escalated, posing a threat to public safety,” Peel Police said in a statement. “For the safety of all present, officers determined it was necessary to seize items that could potentially be used as weapons.”
The body camera footage shows the officer approaching the individual and trying to remove the wooden stick. A brief scuffle ensued before the object was secured, after which police began dispersing the crowd and further separating the two groups of demonstrators.
“Peel Regional Police understands the community’s concerns regarding the video and takes all complaints about officer conduct seriously,” the service said. “A thorough review of the incident concluded the officer’s actions were within the lawful execution of their duties.”
In the wake of the protest, leaders from both the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Ontario Gurdwara Committee emphasized that the conflict does not represent tensions between Sikh and Hindu communities. They called for calm and unity, stating, “No one should feel unsafe in or around their places of worship.”
Peel Police have since formed a strategic investigative team to probe the events further. They encourage anyone with relevant information to contact either 12 Division in Mississauga at 905-453-2121 ext. 1233 or 21 Division in Brampton at 905-453-2121 ext. 2133.