Three people have now been charged and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a social media post condemning what Canadian law enforcement called an investigation into the alleged “law-breaking” protests that began outside a Hindu temple in Ontario on Sunday.
According to the Peel regional police on Monday morning, three people were arrested and charged with this incident and some suspects are still being investigated.
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On Sunday, shortly after 2:30 p.m., Peel Regional Police said they were aware of a protest that took place at a temple in Brampton, Ont., and urged the public to ensure a “peaceful and lawful protest,” which it said had grown. and a visible presence to monitor activities.
About half an hour before police wrote to X about the protest, Liberal cabinet minister Anita Anand said she was “concerned by reports of an unacceptable violent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.”
A video circulating on X appeared to show people using poles to beat others.
According to police, investigators believe the protesters who were protesting outside the temple later moved to two different locations in Mississauga, Ont.
One arrest that took place on Sunday during “protest control” at the Westwood Mall in Mississauga resulted in an officer receiving minor injuries, Peel police said.
The Hindu Canadian Foundation alleges that this “attack” took place under the auspices of Khalistaani's political supporters.
Instead, Modi said there were “cowardly attempts to intimidate our politicians.”
Police presence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ont. on Nov. 2, 2024.
Steve Rafuse / World News
“Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve,” Modi wrote in X. “We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and respect the law.”
Law enforcement officials say they appreciate the cooperation of those who live peacefully and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Many Canadian politicians condemned the incident, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling the violence “unacceptable.”
“Every Canadian has the right to exercise their faith freely and safely,” he wrote in X.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also said his party condemned the violence “unequivocally,” adding that he would “bring our people together and put an end to the chaos.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the incident and added, “no one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.”
–with files from Global News' Gabby Rodrigues and Andrew Benson
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
