Peel cop suspended for taking part in Brampton temple demonstration
Published November 4, 2024 at 1:46 pm
A Peel Regional Police officer has been suspended for taking part in a Brampton demonstration that erupted into a brawl yesterday (Nov. 3).
The officer has been suspended after photos and videos appeared on social media questioning his attendance at a protest in front of the Hindu Sabha Mandir on The Gore Road.
Police have confirmed the news but they have not yet released his name.
A statement by Peel police says they are aware of a video circulating that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration.
“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” the statement sent to the media reads. “We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until such time that this investigation is complete.”
Violence erupted at the temple during a demonstration by those carrying flags and banners in support of an independent state of Khalistan, an area that is part of India.
The strife has caused divisions along ethnic and religious lines in Brampton as Sikh groups support the creation of Khalistan while Hindus back the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is opposed to the separation.
Meanwhile, police have arrested three people as a result of the protests and resulting fights that also overflowed into the Malton area of Mississauga.
Dilpreet Singh Bouns, a 43-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with:
- Causing a disturbance
- Assault peace officer
Vikas, a 23-year-old man from Brampton, was charged with:
- Assault with a weapon
Amritpal Singh, a 31-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with:
- Mischief over $5,000
All three men will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.
A fourth individual was arrested on an outstanding unrelated warrant and subsequently released.
A Peel Regional Police officer was treated in hospital for minor injuries. There were no other reports of any physical injuries.
Police are asking anyone with video of any of the demonstrations, to submit it to investigators using this link.