Videos of police officers fighting with temple visitors during the turmoil that followed a pro-Khalistan mob’s Sunday attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, went viral.
Journalist Daniel Bordman posted a video showing Peel Police officers allegedly beating and employing force on crowd members, some of whom were waving the Indian Tricolor, on X.
Bordman claims that the officers were at the temple to bring peace after clashes between Khalistani supporters and Hindus, but they were observed “punching” and “beating them with batons” without any reason.
One woman criticizes police for allegedly targeting solely members of the Hindu community while protecting Khalistani demonstrators, pointing out a bearded cop in the video and accusing him of attacking individuals.
As the mob screamed “get out” and “take him out,” tensions outside the temple grounds were high as the situation worsened.
At the time of the tragedy, the temple was hosting a consular camp that was co-organized by the Indian High Commission. The celebration was disrupted by a mob that targeted Hindus, including women and children, while brandishing sticks and banners linked to pro-Khalistan organizations.
In response to the demonstration on X, Peel Regional Police said that in order to keep the peace, police were more present at the temple. “We respect the right to protest in a safe and peaceful manner, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah. Those who engage in this behavior will face charges, arrest, and pursuit.
No arrests were made, police later told CBC Toronto, and they did not elaborate on the event or the social media recordings.
Originating in India In addition to expressing shock over the incident, MP Chandra Arya questioned whether Khalistani members had infiltrated law enforcement.
“Canadian Khalistani extremists have crossed a red line today,” Arya said in a post on X. “The assault by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshippers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds in Brampton demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada. There seems to be some truth to the accusations that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated our law enforcement services in addition to the Canadian political system.
The violence at the Hindu temple was also denounced by Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa expressed “deep disappointment” over the incident, saying, “We have seen violent disruption today (Nov. 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp.”
Similar attempts to disrupt consular camps conducted in Surrey and Vancouver on November 2-3 were also referenced in the message, along with worries for the safety of Indian nationals.