Brampton: After a video of the alleged attack on temple goers by pro-Khalistani extremists in Brampton surfaced online, the Canadian Police on Monday arrested three people. However, the police deployed outside temples allegedly used force on temple goers. The police in a chargesheet called the alleged attack just a “protest” and there was no mention of “Khalistani” mob. The alleged attacks took place in two different locations in the city of Mississauga.
"Earlier today, Peel Regional Police were present at a demonstration held at a place of worship in Brampton. The event was subsequently relocated to two different locations within the city of Mississauga. As a result of these demonstrations, three individuals have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions," the police said.
"Several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated by our 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau along with 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau. We appreciate the cooperation of those who have remained peaceful and reassure the public as we continue to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available," it added.
A pro-Khalistani mob attacked a group of devotees, including women and children, at a Hindu Temple in Canada on Sunday. The video of the incident shows fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. This incident disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian consulate.
The Peel Police personnel were deployed outside the temple to maintain order as pro-Khalistani sympathisers attacked Hindu temple goers.
However, in a video shared by Daniel Bordman on X, Peel Police personnel can be seen using force on temple goers. According to Bordman, the security personnel, "punched" and "beat them with batons". However, Times Now Digital could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
In the video, a woman can be seen pointing out an officer, accusing him of assaulting and targeting only Hindu community members. As the situation escalated, the crowd chanted "take him out" and "get out," with tensions running high outside the temple grounds.
India Condemns Attack
In response to violence in Brampton, Canada, the Official Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said the government remains "deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.”
"We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada."
He added, "The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence."
The temple was hosting a consular camp, co-organised by the High Commission of India, when the incident occurred. The Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the "violent disruption" by 'anti-India' elements and raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in the country.
"We have seen violent disruption today (November 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto," read the statement by the High Commission.
The Indian mission said it is "deeply disappointing" that such disruptions "being allowed" for routine consular work, adding that similar incidents of disruption during a consular camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
The attack comes amid the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, while India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.
In September last year, Trudeau while addressing Parliament alleged India's role in Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. However, India refuted the Canadian PM's charges. Notably, Canada has not shared any evidence so far backing its allegations.