On Sunday, a pro-Khalistan group reportedly attacked a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, leading to tense clashes between temple-goers and law enforcement. Videos shared online, including one by journalist Daniel Bordman, showed Peel Police officers seemingly using force against members of the crowd, including some holding Indian flags.
Bordman noted that the police were present at the temple to restore order after confrontations between pro-Khalistan supporters and the Hindu community. However, footage appears to show officers "punching" and "striking" temple attendees, leading to claims of unprovoked aggression. One woman in the video points out an officer, accusing him of targeting only Hindu community members while showing leniency toward Khalistani protesters.
As tensions mounted, temple-goers shouted, "take him out" and "get out," expressing frustration with the officers. The incident took place during a consular camp co-hosted by the High Commission of India at the temple. The mob, reportedly carrying pro-Khalistan flags and sticks, disrupted the event, intimidating Hindu community members, including women and children.
In response, Peel Regional Police posted on X, explaining that additional officers were deployed to maintain public order. Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah affirmed the right to peaceful protest but warned against violent and criminal behavior, stating that those involved would face legal consequences. Despite this, police informed CBC Toronto that no arrests were made, providing no further details on the videos or the incident.
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Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya expressed his anger over the events, questioning whether pro-Khalistan elements had infiltrated Canadian law enforcement. Arya wrote on X, “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The assault on Hindu-Canadian devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton underscores the growing boldness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada. I am beginning to suspect there may be some truth to the notion that Khalistani influences have penetrated not only Canadian political circles but potentially law enforcement as well."
Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, publicly denounced the violence outside the Hindu temple.
The High Commission of India in Ottawa released a statement expressing "deep disappointment" over the incident, noting "violent disruptions" by "anti-India elements" at the consular camp. The statement also highlighted concerns for the safety of Indian nationals, citing similar attempts to interfere with consular events in Vancouver and Surrey earlier in the week.