Hindu Sabha Temple Attack: Canadian cop suspended for joining Pro-Khalistani protest outside Brampton temple

Harinder Sohi was filmed holding a Khalistan flag while protestors chanted anti-India slogans on November 3.

A Canadian police officer has been suspended for participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, according to media reports.

The suspended officer, identified as Harinder Sohi, was filmed holding a Khalistan flag while protestors chanted anti-India slogans. Sohi, who served as a Sergeant with the Peel Regional Police, is under investigation for his involvement in the demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.

The protest on Sunday saw demonstrators carrying Khalistani flags clashing with temple-goers and disrupting a consular event co-organized by temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show protestors holding banners in support of Khalistan, as reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Peel Police confirmed awareness of a video showing an off-duty officer involved in the protest. "This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act," stated Media Relations Officer Richard Chin in an email to CBC News, noting that an investigation into the incident is underway.

Police reported that three people have been charged following the disturbances. Protestors later moved to the Westwood Mall in Mississauga, and a third protest took place outside the Malton Gurdwara on Airport Road, where further incidents between protestors and worshippers occurred.

India has condemned the attack, with the Ministry of External Affairs expressing "deep concern" over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. "We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario," said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, urging the Canadian government to protect places of worship from such attacks.