Who is Harinder sohi? Canadian Cop Harinder Sohi Suspended Over Hindu Sabha Temple Protest
BRAMPTON, Ont., Nov. 5, 2024 — A Canadian police officer has been suspended following his involvement in a controversial protest outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, sparking condemnation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A video on social media surfaced where Harinder Sohi, an 18-year-old veteran of the Peel Regional Police, was among a rally that turned violent. In the video, Sohi is seen on camera waving a Khalistan flag and shouting anti-India slogans with fellow protestors. Sunday evening had increased the tensions between India and the local police due to violence.
Arrests Made at Protests in Brampton and Mississauga
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 4, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/zmvs8z5QJi pic.twitter.com/wGUpxb2T4I
Within days, Peel Regional Police spokesperson Richard Chin confirmed Sohi had been suspended. "We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an off-duty Peel police officer involved in a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act," Chin said. Chin further added that the investigation remains ongoing and could not say anything more at this time until the investigation concludes.
The suspension followed the receiving of death threats through social media, and he received assistance and protection from the Peel Regional Police Association. Sohi is now suspended and not facing any formal allegations of wrongdoing against him.
Officers will be deployed to ensure peace & lawfulness at planned demonstrations. Violence & other criminal acts has no place in our community. pic.twitter.com/ebrLHCszQZ
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 4, 2024
The Peel Regional Police stated that they will be dedicated to keeping peace and order during planned protests as regards the recent incident. A department spokesperson commented on X (formerly known as Twitter), "There will be officers deployed ensuring peace & lawfulness throughout planned demonstrations. Violence and other criminal acts have no place in our community." Police in Brampton and Mississauga arrested others, including 43-year-old Dilpreet Singh Bouns; Vikas, 23; and Amritpal Singh, 31.
The Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the "violent disruption" orchestrated by "anti-India" elements outside a consular camp in Brampton. The High Commission said any further events would depend on the security arrangements put in place by local authorities to prevent such incidents from happening again.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday outright condemned the attack and requested the Canadian government to ensure justice and strictly enforce the rule of law. "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are 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," Modi added in his tweet.
Clearly, from the suspension of Officer Sohi and the subsequent shenanigans, comes in the continued problems in ensuring community relations and integrity with the police force. Meanwhile, investigations continue while the Canadians and the Indian government, respectively, appeal for calm dialogue and respect for rule of law to avert further escalation.
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