Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple

Harinder Sohi, a Sergeant of the Peel Regional Police, was suspended by authorities after a video of him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton went viral on social media.

In Short

• Suspended cop identified as Reel Regional Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi
• Sohi was seen holding Khalistani flag, while others chanted anti-India slogans
• Protest linked to recent attack on Hindu temple by Khalistani elements

A Canadian cop was suspended for participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, a CBC report said, quoting authorities.

The suspended cop, identified as Harinder Sohi, was caught on camera holding a Khalistan flag, while others in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. Sohi was a Sergeant of the Peel Regional Police.

Peel Regional Police said that they were aware of the circulating video that showed an off-duty officer actively participating in the demonstration. "This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act," Media Relations Officer Richard Chin told CBC.

He also said that the department is investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident and would share further details after the probe is completed.

The development comes amid the ongoing uproar over the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, also in Brampton, by Khalistani elements on Sunday. Protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the temple and also disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.

Videos circulating on social media showed fist fights and people striking each other with flagpoles on what appeared to be the grounds surrounding the temple.

Taking strong note of the "deliberate attack", Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought accountability from the Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government and expected it would ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

In a post on X, Modi said, "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."

He added, "We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law".

Meanwhile, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) said it remains "deeply concerned" about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, adding that it expects that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted.

"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.