Rajinder Parsad, a priest of the Hindu Sabha temple in Canada’s Brampton, was suspended by the management for his alleged involvement in clashes with pro-Khalistani protesters on the temple premises on Sunday.

The Hindu Sabha temple management, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the priest was suspended for his “controversial involvement” in the clashes with the protesters on Sunday. However, they did not specify the nature of his involvement in the clashes, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation said.

ALSO READ | Canada investigating ‘off-duty’ police officer among Khalistanis who attacked Hindu temple in Brampton

“Due to the controversial involvement of Hindu Sabha priest Rajinder Parsad with unauthorized protesters in the Hindu Sabha premises on November 3, 2024, the Hindu Sabha suspends Rajinder Parsad with immediate effect,” the statement issued by Madhusudan said Lama, President of Brampton Hindu Sabha. Temple, said.

During Sunday’s violent clashes, protesters waving Khalistan flags physically clashed with a pro-Indian crowd. Videos showed the two groups engaging in fist fights and using flags to hit each other. The development was flagged off outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir during a consular event attended by Indian officials.

Welcoming the disciplinary action against Rajinder Prasad, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said communities should not let violent forces divide them.

“It’s leadership that’s useful. The vast majority of Sikh and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir Chairman Madhusudan Lama suspended the pundit who spread violent rhetoric. The Ontario Sikh and Gurdwara Council denounced the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday evening,” Brown said on X (formerly Twitter).

“Remember that we all have more in common than what divides us. In these tense times, we cannot let agitators fan the flames of division. Leaders of the Sikh and Hindu communities in the Greater Toronto Area do not want this division, hatred and violence. I ask all members of the community not to react to violence and hatred. Law enforcement will be there to respond. It’s their job. We must continue to be a country where the rule of law is respected,” added the mayor.

Violence initially erupted at the Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice staged a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting. Officers were dispatched to the property around noon, Peel police said.

Relations between India and Canada came under strain following allegations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September last year of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the extremist’s assassination of Khalistan Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Sunday’s incident was condemned by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

Trudeau thanked local authorities for their quick response to protect the community and investigate this incident.

India condemned the attack, hoping that those engaging in violence “will be prosecuted.”