A Canadian police officer who was caught on camera allegedly attacking “Hindu devotees” protesting an attack on a temple in Brampton by a Khalistan flag-waving mob has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
On November 3, Peel Regional Police in Canada allegedly attacked Hindu devotees inside a temple in Brampton. In a video that went viral on X, police can be seen punching Hindus on the head and beating them with batons. Other Canadian police officers were also found to be supporting the officers who charged Hindus present. Video of the incident went viral on social media platforms.
READ MORE: Angry over video showing Canadian police ‘attacking’ Hindu worshipers
“That’s him,” one of the women who shot the video said, pointing at a police officer, adding, “He’s beating people with a stick.”
Peel Regional Police statement
Peel Regional Police disputed the allegations in a statement, saying officers responded to a trespassing complaint stemming from protests at the Hindu Saba Temple on Gore Road in Brampton.
“During the protests, tensions clearly escalated and public safety came into focus. For the safety of everyone present, we decided to confiscate any items that could be used as weapons. When police attempted to disperse, tensions escalated and a video was taken and posted to social media showing an altercation between a police officer and a protester.
“Peel Regional Police are aware that the video is of concern to the community.”
“After investigation, it was determined that the officer in the video acted within the lawful discharge of his duties as he attempted to disarm an individual who refused to surrender his weapon and a confrontation ensued,” police said.
brampton temple attack
The video released by police comes shortly after a widely circulated video showed a violent group attacking worshipers outside a temple with sticks, while also displaying flags associated with pro-Khalistan groups.
According to the Canadian Hindu Foundation, women and children were among the targets of the mob. In response, Peel Regional Police arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the incident.
To express protest against “Khalistan intimidation” and “anti-Hindu” hatred, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) organized a protest on November 3.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack, saying “every Canadian has the right to practice his or her faith freely and safely.” India also condemned the attack, reportedly carried out by Sikh extremists, calling the incident “deeply disturbing”.
