A Peel Regional Police officer has been suspended after a video surfaced showing him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario. The officer, identified as Sergeant Harinder Sohi, was seen holding a Khalistan flag while others at the demonstration chanted anti-India slogans. The video quickly went viral on social media, prompting a response from the police force.
Peel Police Media Relations Officer Richard Chin confirmed the suspension, stating that the department is investigating the circumstances shown in the video. “We are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration,” Chin said in an email to CBC News. “This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” he added, without providing further details pending the investigation’s conclusion.
The protest occurred on Sunday as Indian consular officials visited the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. Videos from the scene depicted clashes between pro-Khalistan demonstrators, who were holding banners calling for a separate Sikh homeland, and counter-protesters, including some waving India’s national flag. The altercations, involving physical violence and the use of poles, led to the protest being dispersed and relocated to two nearby sites in Mississauga. Peel Police increased their presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety.
In response to the violence, Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized that while the right to peaceful protest is respected, violence and criminal behavior will not be tolerated. “Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged,” he stated.
The violence has drawn condemnation from Canadian political leaders and prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to comment on the situation. Modi condemned the “deliberate attack” on the Hindu temple and called for justice from the Canadian government, emphasizing that such acts would not weaken India’s resolve. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also expressed deep concern over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada and called for the prosecution of those involved in the violence.
