SOURCE: AFI
A recent attack by a violent Khalistani mob on Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton, Canada, has ignited controversy due to the involvement of an off-duty Canadian police officer. Sgt. Harinder Sohi, an officer with Peel Regional Police, has been suspended following allegations of his presence during the mob assault. This incident has sparked a heated debate, with some calling it a “state-sponsored” attack on the Hindu community, given the involvement of a serving police officer in the violent mob.
The attack took place at a Hindu temple in Brampton, a city that has witnessed escalating tensions due to a rise in Khalistani activism. Witnesses describe a mob of Khalistani supporters storming the temple premises, threatening worshippers, vandalizing property, and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Videos and reports from the scene depict a chaotic situation, with temple devotees, including families with children, attempting to escape the violence.
The attack appears to be part of a broader pattern of recent incidents in Canada where Khalistani elements have targeted Hindu sites. However, this particular incident has taken on an even more serious dimension due to the alleged involvement of Sgt. Harinder Sohi, a serving member of Peel Regional Police.
Sgt. Harinder Sohi, who was reportedly off-duty at the time, has since been suspended by Peel Regional Police pending an investigation. Reports indicate that Sohi was allegedly present among the attackers, either observing or participating in the incident. His suspension has raised questions about potential biases within certain factions of Canadian law enforcement.
While the official details of Sgt. Sohi’s involvement are still under investigation, his presence at the attack has alarmed community leaders and prompted demands for transparency from Canadian authorities. The situation has caused a stir, with some members of the Hindu community and concerned observers viewing his alleged presence as an indicator of institutional bias or sympathy for Khalistani ideologies within certain factions of Canadian police.
The involvement of a serving police officer in the attack has led to widespread calls for the Canadian government to address allegations of “state-sponsored” violence. Community leaders argue that, if proven true, Sgt. Sohi’s presence in the mob could be indicative of a broader issue within law enforcement and even government, where sympathies for certain extremist groups are allowed to flourish unchecked. They believe this would represent a violation of the trust placed in public institutions to protect all citizens equally, irrespective of their faith or background.
Hindu groups in Canada and abroad have condemned the incident, stating that it reflects a failure by Canadian authorities to prevent Khalistani extremists from harassing Hindu Canadians. Some are even calling for an independent inquiry into the extent of Khalistani influence within Canadian law enforcement and its potential implications for Hindu citizens in the country. These calls emphasize a perceived erosion of neutrality in Canada’s approach to minority communities, given the increasing influence of pro-Khalistan groups.
The Hindu community in Canada has raised concerns over the growing number of Khalistani-driven incidents, including desecration of temples, intimidation of community members, and harassment of Hindu Canadians who speak out against Khalistani separatism. They argue that Canadian authorities have not done enough to curb these violent demonstrations, often under the guise of free expression, and are calling for stronger government action to prevent future incidents.
The alleged presence of Sgt. Sohi, a serving officer, at the scene of the attack has intensified these concerns, with fears that this could indicate a willingness among some within the Canadian system to tacitly support or ignore pro-Khalistan activities.
Community leaders and activists are urging Canadian authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into Sgt. Sohi’s involvement and to publicly disclose the findings. They argue that, regardless of the outcome, the investigation should clarify whether there is any systemic bias within Peel Regional Police or other law enforcement agencies that might enable pro-Khalistan sympathizers.
The Indian government, too, has expressed concerns over attacks on its diaspora by Khalistani supporters in Canada and has previously raised the issue with Canadian authorities. They are likely to monitor this investigation closely, as the incident has diplomatic implications that could impact Canada-India relations, particularly if evidence surfaces that a law enforcement officer’s involvement was not an isolated incident.