Brampton: Peel Regional Police have arrested and charged another individual in connection with a violent altercation that took place at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on November 3, 2024. The incident, which occurred during a demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, has further escalated tensions within the community and reignited concerns about the safety of religious groups in Canada.
Peel Regional Police Statement
According to a statement from Peel Regional Police, investigators from the 21 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Strategic Investigation Team (SIT) have arrested 35-year-old Inderjeet Gosal of Brampton. He was charged with assault with a weapon following the altercation, which saw physical violence erupt between opposing groups during the demonstration. Gosal was arrested on November 8, 2024, and released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
The police confirmed that the violent demonstration, which involved the use of flags and sticks to assault individuals, was captured on video. "Several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated," the statement read. The police also noted that a dedicated Strategic Investigative Team has been formed to address the criminal activity surrounding the protests. "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," the statement continued.
Video of Violent Incident Goes Viral
A video circulating online showed disturbing scenes of fistfights and individuals attacking each other with poles in the vicinity of the Hindu Sabha Mandir. The altercation reportedly disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Indian High Commission and the Hindu Sabha Mandir. The clash was said to have involved pro-Khalistani sympathisers attacking Hindu templegoers, including women and children.
Peel Police were deployed outside the temple to maintain order, but a video shared by Daniel Bordman on social media shows police officers allegedly using force against templegoers. In the video, a woman is heard accusing officers of assaulting Hindu community members, with the crowd chanting "take him out" and "get out" as tensions mounted.
While the video has caused an outcry, Times Now Digital could not independently verify its authenticity. The situation continued to escalate, leading to further arrests as the police responded to multiple locations across Brampton and Mississauga.
India Condemns Attack
The incident has drawn condemnation from India, which expressed deep concern over the safety of its nationals in Canada. In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “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.”
The Indian High Commission also condemned the disruption, calling it "deeply disappointing" that routine consular activities were being disrupted by "anti-India elements." The mission pointed to similar incidents in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3, which it said involved the same disruptive tactics.
Canada's Diplomatic Tensions with India
The attack comes amid a growing diplomatic rift between India and Canada, with the latter’s government facing increasing criticism over its handling of pro-Khalistani elements operating on Canadian soil. India has consistently expressed concerns over Canada’s tolerance of separatist movements and their activities within its borders. The latest incident in Brampton adds to the ongoing tensions, particularly following the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations in September 2023, alleging India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, India has firmly rejected these allegations, and Canada has yet to provide concrete evidence to support the claim.