Brampton Temple Attack: Hindu Priest Suspended For Spreading ‘Violent Rhetoric’

Last Updated:November 07, 2024, 13:30 IST

Several videos which were doing rounds on the social media showed a group of protestors holding banners in support of Khalistan and disrupted the consular event attended by Indian officials.

Devotees were attacked at a temple in Canada’s Brampton by a group of Khalistani supporters. (Image: X)

The Hindu Sabha Mandir has suspended the priest of the temple In Canada’s Brampton for his alleged involvement and spreading “violent rhetoric” during recent clashes by alleged Khalistani protestors at the temple on November 3.

The Hindu Sabha Mandir issued a statement citing priest Rajendra Prasad’s alleged involvement in a ‘controversial protest’. In the letter, Hindu Sabha temple president Madhusudan Lama wrote that the temple is taking immediate action against Rajendra Prasad following the events on Sunday.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown had condemned the priest’s actions and said that the latter spread “violent rhetoric”. He said that the vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and don’t tolerate violence.

“This is leadership that is helpful. The vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and don’t tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir President Madhusudan Lama has suspended the pundit who spread violent rhetoric. The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council denounced the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday night,” Brown said in the post on X.

He also urged the Hindu community not to respond to violence and hate.

“Remember we all have more in common than what divides us. In tense times, we can’t let the agitators fuel the flames of division. The leadership of both Sikh and Hindu communities in the GTA do not want this division, hate and violence. I am asking everyone in the community to not respond to violence and hate. Law enforcement will be there to respond. This is their job. We must continue to be the country where the rule of law is followed,” the post further read.

What Happened At Brampton Hindu Temple?

Several videos which were doing rounds on the social media showed a group of protestors holding banners in support of Khalistan and disrupted the consular event attended by Indian officials. They were seen thrashing people with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. The videos also showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the temple.

The violence initially broke out at the Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice held a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting.

A Canadian cop was suspended on Monday after he was seen participating with the pro-Khalistani groups that launched an attack on Hindus at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.

The suspended cop, identified as Harinder Sohi, was caught on camera holding a Khalistan flag as others in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He served as a Sergeant of the Peel Regional Police.

The incident has been widely condemned, including by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau emphasised every Canadian’s right to practice their faith freely and safely. He also thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack” and said that “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats were appalling and New Delhi expects Canadian authorities to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” PM Modi said on X.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi remains “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

The MEA further called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to protect the places of worship from such attacks on its soil.

The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. New Delhi had rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”.

(With inputs from agencies)