Peel Police in Canada on Thursday (Nov 15) gave a clean chit to the officer throwing punches at a protestor during the Khalistani attack at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Mandir, stating that the officer acted within his official duties.
According to the Peel Police, the officer “acted within the lawful execution of his duties” and was not at fault. Multiple videos from the protests circulating on X showed the officer allegedly throwing punches at a protester, raising concerns about police use of force.
Peel Police also released bodycam footage of the officer involved, explaining that the officer was trying to disarm a person who had refused to give up their weapon and became aggressive.
“During the protest, it became apparent that tensions were escalating, and public safety became a concern. For the safety of everyone present, a determination was made to seize any items that could be used as a weapon,” the Peel Regional Police stated in a press release.
“What the video doesn’t show is the officer identifying a protester for the purposes of seizing a weapon that he’s holding. The protester then retreats into the crowd and he, along with others, begin to physically resist the officer. The officer’s body-worn camera, which captured the interaction, was reviewed,” said Constable Tyler Bell-Morena.
“Peel Regional Police understands that the video caused concern in the community. We take all complaints about officer conduct seriously and have conducted a review of the incident,” the police stated.
This comes after an incident on November 3, when pro-Khalistan activists attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton while protesting against an Indian consular camp being held there. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the incident.
A Canadian cop, identified as Harinder Sohi, was earlier suspended after he was seen holding a Khalistan flag alongside other pro-Khalistani protestors who launched an attack on Hindus at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.
(With inputs from agencies)
