A Canadian police officer who was filmed allegedly attacking Hindu worshippers during a protest outside a temple in Brampton has been cleared of any misconduct following an internal investigation.
The incident occurred on November 3, when tensions escalated during a protest at the Hindu Sabba Temple on Gore Road in Brampton. The protest was organised by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA) to raise concerns over an attack on the temple by a mob displaying Khalistani flags. The protestors voiced opposition to what they described as rising “Khalistani intimidation” and “anti-Hindu” sentiment.
A video of the altercation between police and some of the worshippers quickly went viral on social media. The footage showed a police officer allegedly striking individuals with a baton and punching them in the head.
In the video, a woman filming the incident can be heard pointing to the officer and saying, "He is the one... He is hitting with sticks."
The incident sparked widespread concern within the community, with many questioning the police response. However, Peel Regional Police issued a statement defending the actions of the officer involved.
What Peel Regional Police said
The police force claimed that they had been called to the scene to address a trespassing incident at the protest.
As tensions escalated, officers determined that public safety was at risk and decided to seize any objects that could potentially be used as weapons, according to the Police accounts.
"During the protest, it became apparent that tensions were escalating, and public safety became a concern," the police was quoted as saying. "For the safety of everyone present, a determination was made to seize any items that could be used as a weapon. As officers were trying to de-escalate tensions, a video was captured and posted to social media that showed an altercation between an officer and a protester."
Peel Regional Police further clarified that the officer in question was attempting to disarm an individual who had refused to surrender a weapon and had become confrontational. After a thorough investigation, it was concluded that the officer’s actions were lawful and part of his duty to ensure public safety.
"Peel Regional Police understands that the video caused concern in the community. Following an investigation, it was determined that the officer depicted in the video was acting within the lawful execution of his duties," said a Police official.
Brampton violence: The aftermath
The incident took place shortly after another video showed a violent mob attacking worshippers outside the temple with sticks, while waving flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups. The Hindu Canadian Foundation reported that women and children were among those targeted during the attack.
In response to the violence, Peel Regional Police arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the assault on the temple. The foundation condemned the attack, calling it a clear instance of religious and ethnic intimidation.
The protest on November 3 was organised by COHNA to speak out against what they described as rising anti-Hindu sentiments in the region and the growing influence of pro-Khalistani groups.
According to protesters, their demonstration was a peaceful response to the earlier violence and the perceived threats to the Hindu community in Canada.
(With inputs from ToI)
The incident occurred on November 3, when tensions escalated during a protest at the Hindu Sabba Temple on Gore Road in Brampton. The protest was organised by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA) to raise concerns over an attack on the temple by a mob displaying Khalistani flags. The protestors voiced opposition to what they described as rising “Khalistani intimidation” and “anti-Hindu” sentiment.
A video of the altercation between police and some of the worshippers quickly went viral on social media. The footage showed a police officer allegedly striking individuals with a baton and punching them in the head.
In the video, a woman filming the incident can be heard pointing to the officer and saying, "He is the one... He is hitting with sticks."
BREAKING: The RCMP start attacking Hindu worshippers on their own temple grounds in Surrey BC.
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) November 4, 2024
Watch as an RCMP officer goes into the crowd to go after Hindu devotees after pushing them back to protect the Khalistanis who came to harass the temple goers on Diwali. Punching Hindus… pic.twitter.com/uugAJun59q
The incident sparked widespread concern within the community, with many questioning the police response. However, Peel Regional Police issued a statement defending the actions of the officer involved.
What Peel Regional Police said
The police force claimed that they had been called to the scene to address a trespassing incident at the protest.
As tensions escalated, officers determined that public safety was at risk and decided to seize any objects that could potentially be used as weapons, according to the Police accounts.
"During the protest, it became apparent that tensions were escalating, and public safety became a concern," the police was quoted as saying. "For the safety of everyone present, a determination was made to seize any items that could be used as a weapon. As officers were trying to de-escalate tensions, a video was captured and posted to social media that showed an altercation between an officer and a protester."
Interaction with Officer During Brampton Protest
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 14, 2024
Read More: https://t.co/pRtjSrV19Q#PRPVNR pic.twitter.com/Gb9Zkh6VPC
Peel Regional Police further clarified that the officer in question was attempting to disarm an individual who had refused to surrender a weapon and had become confrontational. After a thorough investigation, it was concluded that the officer’s actions were lawful and part of his duty to ensure public safety.
"Peel Regional Police understands that the video caused concern in the community. Following an investigation, it was determined that the officer depicted in the video was acting within the lawful execution of his duties," said a Police official.
Brampton violence: The aftermath
The incident took place shortly after another video showed a violent mob attacking worshippers outside the temple with sticks, while waving flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups. The Hindu Canadian Foundation reported that women and children were among those targeted during the attack.
In response to the violence, Peel Regional Police arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the assault on the temple. The foundation condemned the attack, calling it a clear instance of religious and ethnic intimidation.
The protest on November 3 was organised by COHNA to speak out against what they described as rising anti-Hindu sentiments in the region and the growing influence of pro-Khalistani groups.
According to protesters, their demonstration was a peaceful response to the earlier violence and the perceived threats to the Hindu community in Canada.
(With inputs from ToI)
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