Canadian Police Officer Cleared of Wrongdoing in Brampton Temple Incident

A Canadian police officer caught on camera allegedly assaulting “Hindu worshippers”—protesting an attack on a temple in Brampton by a mob waving Khalistani flags—has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

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On November 3, Canada’s Peel Regional Police allegedly attacked Hindu worshippers on their own temple grounds in Brampton. In a video that went viral on X, the police officers are seen punching Hindus in the head and beating them with batons. Other Canadian police officers were also seen supporting the officer who charged the Hindus present there. The video of the incident went viral on social media platforms.

“He is the one,” a woman who shot the video was heard saying as she pointed at a cop, adding, “He is hitting with sticks.”

What Peel Regional Police Has Said

Refuting the allegations, the Peel Regional Police said in a statement that officers responded to a trespassing complaint that arose out of a protest at the Hindu Sabha Temple, located on the Gore Road in Brampton.

“During the protest, it became apparent that tensions were escalating, and public safety became a concern. 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 understands that the video caused concern in the community.”

“Following an investigation, it was determined that the officer depicted in the video was attempting to disarm an individual who refused to surrender their weapon and became confrontational, and accordingly acted within the lawful execution of his duties,” the police said.

Attack on Brampton Temple

The cop video came shortly after a widely circulated clip showed a violent group attacking devotees outside the temple with sticks while also displaying flags linked to pro-Khalistani groups.

According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, women and children were among those targeted by the mob. In response, Peel Regional Police arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the incident.

To voice their protest against “Khalistani intimidation” and “anti-Hindu” hatred, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) organized a protest on November 3.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack, asserting that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” India too condemned the attack, reportedly carried out by alleged Sikh extremists, calling the incident “deeply disturbing.”