Canadian cops clashed with Hindu devotees protesting an attack on a temple.
OTTAWA: A Canadian police officer was suspended on Monday after a video went viral on social media showing him participating in a pro-Khalistani protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, media reports quoted officials as saying.
The suspended Peel Regional Police officer, identified as Harinder Sohi, was caught on camera holding a Khalistani flag while others at the protest chanted anti-India slogans, CBC News reported.
Sohi was a sergeant with the Peel Regional Police.
Media relations officer Richard Chin emailed CBC News to say the police force was “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel police officer involved in a demonstration”.
“This officer has been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” he said.
“We are fully investigating the circumstances depicted in the video and until that investigation is complete, we cannot provide any further information.”
8Peel Regional Police previously said three people had been charged following violence that erupted at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday after Indian consulate officials visited.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan and clashing with other individuals, some of whom were also holding India’s national flag.
Videos also showed scuffles and people attacking each other with sticks on the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
Peel police said the event was eventually moved to two other locations in neighbouring Mississauga, where further demonstrations occurred.
On Sunday afternoon, Peel police said they were aware of the protest and had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to maintain public order and safety.
“We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner, but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah said after the video was circulated.
“Those who participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.”
The violence was condemned by political leaders across Canada at all government levels and prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a rare comment at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Taking strong note of the “deliberate attack”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanded accountability from the Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government and expressed hope that it would ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve.
” Meanwhile, the External Affairs Minister (MEA) said she was “deeply concerned” about the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, adding that she hoped those involved in the violence would be prosecuted.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We condemn the violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks.”
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