One Week Since Canada Temple Attack: Arrests Of Khalistani And Hindu Protestors, Statements—What Has Happened So Far

Peel Regional Police have apprehended the coordinator of the Khalistan Referendum for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada on charges of assault with a weapon linked to a violent protest at a Hindu temple in Brampton.

Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a 35-year-old resident of Brampton, was part of the pro-Khalistani group that attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple at the Gore Road on 3 November.

The incident saw rising tensions between protestors and counter-protestors, leading to physical altercations. Gosal had earlier too organised the demonstration outside the temple.

The 21 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau, along with the Strategic Investigation Team (SIT), reviewed video footage showing people using flags and sticks as weapons during the clash.

Gosal, identified as a participant, was taken into custody on 8 November, released under specific conditions, and will face a court hearing at a later date.

He reported that his activism has made him a target, with shots fired at his residence earlier this year. Following this, the RCMP issued him a "duty to warn" advisory regarding potential threats.

Gosal emphasised that the protest was aimed solely at the Indian government and officials, not at the Hindu community, stating, "This is not a Hindu and Sikh battle. This is strictly Sikhs versus the Indian government."

He noted that a similar protest had taken place peacefully the day prior at Ross Gurdwara in Surrey, BC. Earlier, three protesting against 'Khalistani intimidation' were arrested.

The SIT continues to investigate the violence from 3 and 4 November, reviewing hundreds of videos to identify additional suspects. Further arrests in connection with the incident are anticipated.

On Thursday, Peel police also charged Ranendra Lal Banerjee, 57, with public incitement of hatred related to the incident. Arrest warrants have been issued for two other men in their 20s.

They are accused of making threats and conspiring to commit assault with a weapon. A police officer has also been suspended after video evidence showed him entering the temple during the disturbance.

Meanwhile, a Hindu member of Parliament (MP) of Canada of Indian-origin, Chandra Arya alleged, "Politicians are deliberately avoiding recognising and mentioning Khalistanis as responsible for this attack or are shifting the blame to other entities."

He asserted that this is not an issue between Hindus and Sikhs and said, "The two sides are actually Hindu-Canadians and the vast majority of Sikh-Canadians on one side, and Khalistanis on the other."

Sikh community leader and former British Columbia Premier Ujjal Dosanjh said that a silent majority of Sikhs do not want to have anything to do with Khalistan and that they just do not speak out because they are afraid of violence and violent repercussions.