Sergeant Harinder Sohi, a Peel Regional Police officer in Canada was suspended on Monday after a video went viral on social media showing him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton.
Sergeant Harinder Sohi, an 18-year veteran of the force, was caught on camera holding a Khalistan flag during a protest where others were chanting anti-India slogans. Following his suspension, Sohi reportedly received death threats on social media, leading the Peel Regional Police Association to offer him "assistance and protection".
Peel Police spokesperson Richard Chin stated that they were aware of a video circulating on social media showing one of their off-duty officers taking part in a protest.
"We are aware of a video circulating on social media which shows an off-duty Peel police officer involved in a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until such time that this investigation is complete,” Chin said as quoted by CBC News.
Canada Police Arrests 3 After Video Of Alleged Attack on Temple Goers By Khalistani Mob Emerge
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 on Monday.
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.
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.