Canadian authorities reported a new arrest on Saturday in connection with the violent pro-Khalistan attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Greater Toronto Area. Last week, unrest erupted at the temple following a visit by Indian officials, with pro-Khalistani demonstrators sparking chaos that extended to other sites in Mississauga. Tensions continued to escalate on Monday.
Peel Regional Police announced that a 35-year-old man had been detained and was in possession of an assault weapon. He will appear in court shortly, according to a report from Global News. This arrest marks the fifth in the case. Among those previously detained was a 57-year-old man, charged with incitement of hatred, and a Peel police officer who has been suspended.
The police issued a statement on Saturday strongly condemning the violence. They acknowledged multiple recorded incidents, including footage of an individual using a loudspeaker to incite violence by urging people to storm the temple. Videos circulating on social media captured confrontations on the temple grounds, where individuals were seen engaging in physical altercations and wielding poles against each other.
“There continues to be additional offences under investigation, and we are certain further arrests will occur,” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duralappah said in the statement. “Each incident saw violence and hate. It is unacceptable and has no place in our communities,” he added, urging the public to come forward with any relevant information.
The violent clashes outside the temple left one person injured, who was subsequently treated by paramedics. Canada has recently seen a surge in pro-Khalistani activity, with several instances of vandalism targeting Hindu temples. This intensifying movement has strained diplomatic ties between Canada and India.