Canadian cop seen waving Khalistan flag at recent protest suspended

After a video of a Canadian police officer taking part in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton went viral on social media, the officer was suspended on Nov 4.

The officer, recognized as Harinder Sohi, a sergeant in the Peel Regional Police, was seen on camera holding a Khalistan flag while other protesters screamed anti-Indian slogans. Sohi was off duty and not in uniform.

"The police department is aware of a video circulating on social media that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration," said Richard Chin, the media relations officer.

"This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. We are investigating the circumstances depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until the investigation is complete," he added.

Violence broke out when Indian consular officials visited the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Nov 3, according to a statement from Peel Regional Police. Three people have been charged.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show protesters hoisting banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, clashing with others, some of whom were flying India's national flag.

The footage, which claims to be from the area around the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, depicts fistfights and people hitting each other with poles.

The event was later rescheduled to two additional locations in nearby Mississauga, where protests also took place, according to Peel Police.

"We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts," Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said after the videos began circulating.

"Those who participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged," he added.

A group of individuals, reportedly Khalistani radicals, attacked devotees at a Hindu temple in Brampton on Nov 3.

Videos of a group of men holding Khalistani flags and beating people with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir are going viral on social media.

At the time of the incident, the temple was hosting a consular camp co-organized by the Indian High Commission. The celebration was disrupted by a mob that targeted Hindus, including women and children, while holding sticks and banners linked to pro-Khalistan organizations.

During a period of growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong statement in response to the violence.

The incident was denounced by Canadian political leaders at all levels of government.

Prime Minister Modi called on the Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to answer for the "deliberate attack" and expressed confidence that it would protect the rule of law and guarantee justice.

"I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve," PM Modi said in a post on X.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the incident.

"What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning," Jaishankar said.

"We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, yesterday. We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"We also expect that those engaging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment, or violence," he added.