New Delhi: A Canadian police officer has been suspended for his alleged involvement in a violent Sikh separatist protest at an Indian diplomatic camp organized in cooperation with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario. The suspension follows a viral social media video that allegedly showed Peel Regional Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi among protesters waving separatist flags and banners.

Peel Regional Police spokesperson Richard Chin said Radio-Canada News in an email Monday saying Sohi had been suspended under the Community Safety and Policing Act, adding that an investigation was underway.

According to Peel Regional Police, Sohi has not been charged with any crime.

The Peel Regional Police Association (PRPA) said it intervened to offer him legal support and protection, citing the “death threats” Sohi had received since he was identified as a participant in the manifestation.

Speaking to reporters, PRPA president Adrian Woolley called Sohi an “excellent officer” and said off-duty staff retained their right to freedom of expression. However, Woolley added that if criminal charges were filed, the PRPA might reconsider its legal support.

According to police and videos circulating on social media, individuals carrying sticks as well as flags bearing the Sikh separatist symbol attacked the temple premises after gathering outside the diplomatic camp. At least one Peel officer suffered minor injuries requiring medical treatment.

Police reported two subsequent protests at Goreway and Etude Drives and near the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton Gurdwara in the City of Mississauga after participants dispersed from Brampton. “Although these protests occurred in three different locations, they appear to be related to each other,” Peel police said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and Indian authorities all condemned the incident. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa called it a “violent disruption” of consular activities and reported attempts at similar disruptions in Vancouver and Surrey.

Three men were arrested Monday in connection with the Brampton protest. Dilpreet Singh Bouns, 43, of Mississauga, faces charges of disorderly conduct and assault on a peace officer. Vikas, 23, of Brampton, was charged with assault with a weapon, and Amritpal Singh, 31, of Mississauga, was charged with mischief worth $5,000. All three are due to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton later this year. A fourth individual was also arrested on an unrelated warrant and was later released, a release from Peel police said.

(Edited by Sanya Mathur)

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