Ottawa: The Peel Regional Police confirmed that four people were arrested and a police officer was injured following several protests in Brampton and Mississauga last week, including one outside a Hindu temple that turned violent.
On Monday, the police issued a statement saying officers were called to a place of worship near The Gore Road in Brampton after receiving a "trespassing complaint" about a group of protesters. The protests later spread to two other locations in Mississauga, including one near Goreway and Etude drives and another near Airport and Drew roads.
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"Although these demonstrations occurred at three different locations, they appear to be related to one another. Several incidents between protestors and worshippers broke out," the police said in a statement, adding that one officer sustained minor injuries during one of the incidents.
Violence breaks out at Hindu temple
Videos circulating on social media showed violent clashes outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, located near The Gore Road in Brampton. During the protest, Khalistan flags, symbolising support for Sikh independence, were seen. The protest escalated into a physical confrontation between groups.
Four suspects arrested
The police identified the individuals arrested as:
- Dilpreet Singh Bouns, 42, from Mississauga
- A 23-year-old man, known only as Vikas, from Brampton
- Amritpal Singh, 31, from Mississauga
- A fourth individual, whose identity was not revealed, was arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant but was later released.
An off-duty Peel police officer was also seen in a video participating in one of the protests. The officer has been suspended while an internal investigation takes place.
"We are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended per the Community Safety and Policing Act," a statement provided by Peel police on Monday states.
"We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete."
Leaders condemn violence
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi both condemned the violence. Trudeau called the acts "unacceptable." "Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," Trudeau wrote.
PM Modi described the incident at the Hindu Sabha Mandir as a "deliberate attack." "Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," he said.
Sikhs for Justice, a group supporting Khalistan, claimed the protests were directed against Indian officials who were visiting the temple to offer consular services.
Tensions between Canada and India
This incident adds to growing tensions between Canada and India. Last month, Ottawa accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting Sikh activists, which India strongly denied. Trudeau has also previously stated that there were "credible allegations" connecting the Indian government to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year.
Agency
Published: 05 Nov 2024, 07:30 am IST
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