Peel Regional Police say three people have been charged after violence erupted as Indian consular officials visited a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday.
Police did not elaborate on the nature of the charges or the accused in a brief statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, in the early morning hours Monday.
They added, however, that they are continuing to investigate “several acts of unlawfulness” and that more information could be forthcoming.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and clashing with other individuals, including some holding India’s national flag.
The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
CBC Toronto has not been able to independently verify what happened in the videos.
Peel police said the event was eventually moved to two other locations in neighbouring Mississauga, where further demonstrations also took place.
On Sunday afternoon, police said they were aware of the protest and had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to maintain public order and safety.
“We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah said after the videos began circulating. “Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.”
The violence drew denunciations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a rare comment at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In a statement on his social media channels, Modi condemned the “deliberate attack” and said he expects Canadian authorities to uphold rule of law. He added that any attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada were “equally appalling.”
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.
—@narendramodi
Meanwhile, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.
“I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha,” he said. “Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship.”
Brown later added he intends to introduce a motion at Brampton city council to explore the possibility of prohibiting protests outside places of worship in the municipality.
On Sunday evening, Premier Doug Ford called the incident “unacceptable” in a post on X.
The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton this afternoon is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.<br><br>Thank you to <a href=”https://twitter.com/PeelPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@PeelPolice</a> for their quick response and for helping to keep our communities safe.
—@fordnation
Other politicians echoed that condemnation on social media, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.
The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.<br><br>Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.
—@JustinTrudeau
Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace.<br><br>I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir.<br><br>Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace.
—@theJagmeetSingh
Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today.<br><br>All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos.
—@PierrePoilievre
Relations between the Canadian and Indian governments have grown tense over allegations of violence against Canadian Sikhs. Ottawa has accused India’s home minister of being behind several attacks on Sikh activists on Canadian soil. The Indian government denies the accusations.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said there have been ‘well over a dozen’ credible threats to members of Canada’s South Asian community, specifically members of the pro-Khalistan movement. India says the Trudeau government ‘has consciously provided space to violent extremists and terrorists to harass, threaten and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.’ Former B.C. premier Ujjal Dosanjh and Balpreet Singh of the World Sikh Organization of Canada give their perspectives of how these issues affect diaspora communities inside Canada.
The group Sikhs for Justice says that the Khalistan supporters had been protesting Indian consulate officials undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services such as helping seniors access pensions.
Sikhs for Justice alleged Hindu nationalists had provoked the fighting and has claimed Indian officials use visits to religious sites to find informants to target Sikh separatists.
The group is asking that Indian consular officials be barred from undertaking work outside of their diplomatic premises, arguing external site visits “directly endanger the safety and security of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada.”
The Indian high commission in Ottawa condemned the violence and said it is disappointing to see the protests during “routine consular work,” and added plans for further visits to temples would only happen if adequate security arrangements were made by local authorities.
It says that would ensure the safety of officials, organizers and attendees.
Liberal MP Chandra Arya accused “Canadian Khalistani extremists” of attacking Hindus, saying they are “getting a free pass in Canada.”
The clashes come as Hindus celebrate the Diwali holiday and amid mounting tensions between Canada and India.
Last month, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations they used their positions to collect information on Canadians in the pro-Khalistan independence movement and then passed the details on to criminal gangs who targeted the individuals directly.
India has long accused Canada of harbouring pro-Khalistan terrorists that New Delhi has asked Ottawa to extradite, though Canadian officials say those requests often lack adequate proof.
Tensions have not been confined to Ontario.
This past Friday, a judge with British Columbia’s Supreme Court granted an order to establish a buffer zone around one of the province’s largest Sikh temples in advance of expected confrontations between protesters and Indian consular officials this weekend.
The request came from leaders of a Sikh temple who said they expected “intense protests” at two Indian consular events, commonly known as “consular camps.”