Ottawa: A Canadian police officer has been suspended from duty following their involvement in a pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario. The protest, which took place on Sunday, saw clashes between demonstrators waving Khalistan flags and individuals gathered at the temple, where a consular event co-organized by the Indian Consulate was underway.
Footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing protesters holding banners and chanting in support of Khalistan, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Peel Police confirmed they are aware of the footage, which allegedly depicts an off-duty officer participating in the protest. Media Relations Officer Richard Chin stated, “This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act.” An internal investigation is now underway to understand the full context of the officer’s involvement.
The protests escalated with reports of violence, leading Peel Police to lay charges against three individuals. After the Brampton protest, demonstrations continued at two other locations in Mississauga: Westwood Mall and the Malton gurdwara on Airport Road. According to the World Sikh Organisation of Canada, the protests were interconnected, with incidents of conflict occurring between protesters and worshippers at each location.
The situation has drawn strong condemnation from India. On Monday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concerns over the incident, calling for the Canadian government to prosecute those responsible for the unrest and ensure the safety of Indian nationals and places of worship. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario. We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks.”
This suspension comes amid heightened tensions between India and Canada over issues related to Khalistan activism and safety of Indian nationals in Canada. Further updates on the investigation and its implications are awaited.
