Ottawa, Nov 5: A Canadian police officer has been suspended for attending a pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, according to a media report.
The protest, held on Sunday, saw demonstrators with Khalistani flags clashing with attendees and disrupting a consular event co-hosted by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. Unverified videos circulating on social media appear to show the protestors holding banners in support of Khalistan, as reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Peel Police Media Relations Officer Richard Chin confirmed that they were “aware of a video circulating on social media showing an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in the demonstration.” Chin stated that the officer has been suspended in line with the Community Safety and Policing Act. He added that the incident is under investigation, and further details will only be available once the investigation concludes.
Earlier, Peel Police charged three individuals following the outbreak of violence as Indian consular officials visited the temple on Sunday. Demonstrators later moved to the Westwood Mall in Mississauga and subsequently to the Malton gurdwara on Airport Road.
Police noted that while the protests took place at different locations, they appeared to be connected, with several altercations occurring between protestors and worshippers.
India has condemned the incident, with the Ministry of External Affairs expressing “deep concern” over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for the protection of places of worship, stating that those responsible for the violence should face prosecution.
