Peel Regional Police announced on Monday the arrest of four individuals following a series of protests in Mississauga and Brampton, including a violent confrontation at a Hindu temple that left a police officer injured.
In a statement, police reported that they responded to a “trespassing complaint by a group of protestors” at a place of worship near The Gore Road in Brampton last week. The protesters later relocated to two other sites in Mississauga, near Goreway and Etude drives, and at the intersection of Airport and Drew roads.
According to police, the demonstrations appeared to be connected. “Several incidents between protestors and worshippers broke out,” they reported, adding that one officer sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.
Also Read: Canada Suspends Officer For Attending Pro-Khalistan Protest Outside Hindu Temple
Police identified three of those arrested as 42-year-old Dilpreet Singh Bouns of Mississauga, a 23-year-old Brampton resident named Vikas, and a 31-year-old Mississauga resident, Amritpal Singh. Authorities arrested a fourth unnamed individual on an unrelated warrant and subsequently released them.
Authorities also arrested a fourth individual, whose name remains undisclosed, on an unrelated warrant before releasing them.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration,” Peel police said in their statement. “This officer has since been suspended under the Community Safety and Policing Act, pending further investigation.”
PM Trudeau & PM Modi Condemn Hindu Temple Attack
The incident drew comments from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who condemned the violence as “unacceptable.” Trudeau affirmed, “Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely,” and thanked the Peel Regional Police for their swift response in protecting the community.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, calling the incident at the Hindu Sabha Mandir a “deliberate attack.” Modi added, “Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve, and we expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”
The group Sikhs for Justice reportedly organized the protest, where Khalistan supporters demonstrated against the presence of Indian officials visiting the temple to provide consular services.
This incident underscores rising tensions between Canada and India. Last month, Canada’s government accused India’s Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting Sikh activists, a claim the Indian government denies. Earlier, Trudeau alleged “credible evidence” of India’s involvement in the 2022 assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, which India has also rejected.