VIDEO: 3 people arrested after demonstrations get violent in Brampton and Mississauga

Three people face charges after demonstrations got violent in Brampton, spilling over to Mississauga.

Videos show demonstrators holding banners in support of a separate Sikh country called Khalistan clashing with others, including some holding India’s national flag outside a Hindu temple in Brampton. The protest becomes violent as fights erupt and people hit each other with wooden flag poles. The protests were outside Hindu Sabha Mandir on Sunday. 

In an Instagram story, the Sikhs For Justice organization said the rally was against the presence of Indian Consulate officials inside the temple. The officials were visiting to provide administrative services such as helping seniors access pensions.

Sikhs For Justice allege Indian officials use these events to find informants to target Sikh separatists. The Indian high commission in Ottawa did not immediately respond to the claims.

The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council, however, condemned the protest.

Early Monday morning, Peel Regional Police confirmed three people were arrested and criminally charged in connection to the protests. Police responded to the rally around 12 p.m. on Sunday.

Protests moved to the Westwood Mall area in Mississauga, police said in a post early Monday morning. The same group of protestors then moved to the Airport and Derry roads area of Mississauga, police said.

A police officer was hurt in the clashes and treated in hospital for minor injuries.  There were no other reports of any physical injuries.

Police said they respect people’s right to peaceful protest but not violence.

“Any acts of violence, threats of violence or vandalism will not be tolerated,” police said.

In an update Monday afternoon, Peel Police said two people from Mississauga and one Brampton resident were charged.

Dilpreet Singh Bouns, a 43-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with cause disturbance, and assault a 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 person was arrested on an outstanding, unrelated warrant and subsequently released.

Politicians from all levels of government spoke out against the violence.

“The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”

“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton this afternoon is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship,” said Premier Doug Ford.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said he will be bringing a motion to city council to look at prohibiting protests at places of worship.

“Places of worship should be safe spaces that are free of violence and intimidation,” he said.

Pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple in Brampton (1st video).

Later, some protesters attacked worshippers with sticks & entered the temple grounds to continue attacking (2nd video).@PeelPolice @patrickbrownont pic.twitter.com/bPQpEd8L2b

— Darshan Maharaja (@TheophanesRex) November 3, 2024

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said hatred “in any form is unacceptable.”

“Free speech is a fundamental right we cherish as Canadians, but hate speech and harassment will not be tolerated in Mississauga or anywhere else,” Parrish said of the incidents in a statement.

The protests continue to be investigated.

Police are asking anyone with video of any of the demonstrations, to submit to investigators here.

Anyone with any information can contact investigators at either 12 Division (Mississauga) at 905-453-2121 extension 1233, or 21 Division (Brampton) at 905-453-2121 extension 2133. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

With files from the Canadian Press