New Delhi: A Canadian police officer has been suspended over his alleged involvement in a violent Sikh separatist protest at an Indian diplomatic camp organised in cooperation with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario. The suspension follows a viral video on social media that purportedly showed Peel Regional Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi among demonstrators who were holding separatist flags and banners.
Peel Regional Police spokesperson Richard Chin told CBC News in an email Monday that Sohi had been suspended under the Community Safety and Policing Act, adding that an investigation was underway.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an off-duty Peel police officer at a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. We are investigating the full context of the video and will provide updates upon conclusion of the investigation,” Chin was quoted as saying.
According to Peel Regional Police, Sohi has not been charged with any crime.
The Peel Regional Police Association (PRPA) said it had stepped in to offer him legal support and protection, citing the “death threats” Sohi received since being identified as a participant in the protest.
Talking to reporters, PRPA president Adrian Woolley described Sohi as an “excellent officer” and said that off-duty personnel retain their right to freedom of expression. However, Woolley added that if criminal charges are filed, the PRPA may reconsider its legal support.
According to police and videos circulating on social media, individuals carrying sticks as well as flags bearing the Sikh separatist symbol attacked the temple premises after gathering outside at the diplomatic camp. At least one Peel officer was left with minor injuries requiring medical attention.
Police reported two subsequent demonstrations at Goreway and Etude Drives and near the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton Gurdwara, in Mississauga city, after participants dispersed from Brampton. “Although these demonstrations occurred at three different locations, they appear to be related to one another,” said Peel Police.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre, and Indian authorities all condemned the incident. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa labelled it a “violent disruption” of consular activities and reported similar attempted disruptions in Vancouver and Surrey.
Three men were arrested on Monday in connection with the Brampton protest. Dilpreet Singh Bouns, 43, from Mississauga, faces charges of causing a disturbance and assaulting a peace officer. Vikas, 23, from Brampton, was charged with assault with a weapon, and Amritpal Singh, 31, from Mississauga, was charged with mischief over $5,000. All three are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton later this year. A fourth individual was also arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant and was later released, a Peel Police statement said.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
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