Brampton Hindu Temple Attack: Canada’s Peel Police Arrests One for 'Inciting Hatred'

Ottawa: Days after a violent incident at Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Cana’s Peel Regional Police has arrested one individual and issued arrest warrants for two ors. disturbance on vember 4 led to heightened tensions within Hindu-Canian community, as over a thousand people gared to voice frustration over repeated attacks on Hindu temples across Cana. 

Lal Banerjee, 57, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with “public incitement of hatred” under section 319 (1) of Criminal Code of Cana. Following his arrest, he was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Arrest warrants were also issued for Armaan Gahlot, 24, of Kitchener, and Arpit, 22. Both are sought on charges of “uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm” and conspiracy to commit assault with a weapon and mischief. Peel Regional Police officer Tyler Bell, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), ted that warrant is a result of “ongoing investigations,” urging individuals to seek legal counsel and turn mselves in.

unrest at Hindu Sabha Mandir led to strong community reactions, with Hindu Canians demanding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ministration take action against extremist groups targeting ir religious sites. vember 3 disruption at temple, which saw demonstrators clashing with those attending an Indian consular camp, underscored safety concerns among Hindu-Canians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned attack as a “deliberate” act, deuncing any “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats and calling on Canian authorities to uphold justice and rule of law. Similarly, Ministry of External Affairs urged Cana to ensure safety of religious sites.

Local Law Enforcement and Community Leership

In response to vember 3 and 4 incidents, Peel Regional Police have established a Strategic Investigative Team to dress any criminal behavior arising from protests. Following demonstrations, videos circulated showing individuals inciting violence. A Peel Regional Police officer, Sergeant Harinder Sohi, was also suspended after being identified in foot of event, according to CBC News.

In dition, Hindu Sabha Mandir suspended a priest for allegedly spreing “violent rhetoric” during protests. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown praised this action on X, urging community members to reject violence and division, stating, “This is leership that is helpful. vast majority of Sikh Canians and Hindu Canians want to live in harmony and don’t tolerate violence.” Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council also condemned violent acts at temple.

Canian and Indian Government Reactions

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned vember 3 incident, affirming Canians' rights to practice ir faiths freely and safely. He expressed gratitude to local authorities for ir swift response and commitment to community protection.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing New Delhi’s concern for safety of Indian nationals in Cana and urging Canian officials to prosecute those responsible for violence.

strained relations between India and Cana, alrey impacted by Trudeau’s earlier allegations of potential Indian involvement in killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have ded a layer of tension to se events. Cana’s perceived tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements has been a sticking point, with India consistently calling for action against extremist activities on Canian soil.