VIDEO: Public incitement of hatred charge laid following violent protests in Brampton

One Toronto man has been charged with a hate-motivated offence and police are searching for a two other suspects wanted on multiple warrants following violent protests in Brampton this week.

A massive demonstration broke out on Monday night at the Hindu Sabha Mandir on The Gore Road in Brampton, just one day after Sikh and Hindu activists clashed in both Mississauga and Brampton.

Peel Regional Police deployed its Public Order unit to disperse the crowds after weapons were spotted by officers, but not before videos surfaced online of the gathering.

One of those videos showed “an individual using a loudspeaker, inciting violence and hate,” Peel police spokesperson Tyler Bell-Morena said in a video update late on Thursday.

Police say that video led to the arrest of a 57-year-old man from Toronto on Wednesday.

Ranendra Lal Banerjee, 57, has been charged with one count of public incitement of hatred.

Police say the accused was released “with conditions” and is scheduled to make a court appearance in Brampton at a later date.

The  protests have seen violence between supporters and opponents of the controversial Khalistan movement – a nonbinding vote happening around the world calling for the state of Punjab to break away from India and become a Sikh state of Khalistan.

Three people were arrested following Sunday’s incident and a Peel Regional Police officer was also suspended for taking part in a Brampton demonstration that erupted into a brawl.

Mayor Patrick Brown has been calling for the arrest of people seen in the videos of the protest calling for violence.

“This man is not from Brampton, he is only visiting to incite violence and is not welcome in our City,” the mayor said in posts on social media. “This is clearly a hate crime.”

There are three offences in the Criminal Code of Canada that pertain to hate – advocating genocide, public incitement of hatred, and wilful promotion of hatred.

Peel police are also searching for 24-year-old Armaan Gahlot of Kitchener and 22-year-old Arpit (No surname) of no fixed address. Investigators say warrants have been issued for the pair for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, conspiracy to commit assault with a weapon, and conspiracy to commit mischief.

The accused are being urged to seek legal counsel and turn themselves in, police said.

Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-3311. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.