Jeff Lal, president of the Bharat Mata Mandir in Brampton, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), has requested police protection amid rising safety concerns following a violent attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir by pro-Khalistan activists on November 3. Lal, originally from Fiji, expressed in a letter to Peel Regional Police (PRP) Chief Nishan Duraiappah that he has received threatening calls targeting him personally as well as his temple.
In the letter, Lal highlighted that he has been receiving multiple anonymous, blocked-ID calls, intensifying his concerns for both his and his family’s safety. Upon hearing of the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir, he contacted Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to request police reinforcement for the protection of the temple and its devotees.
Lal’s concerns further escalated after Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a secessionist group, posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling for his arrest and accusing him of “offering free swords to attack Sikhs.” The SFJ also alleged Lal to be an aide to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre and falsely labeled him as the party’s nominee. Lal clarified that he left the Conservative Party earlier this year due to disagreements over the nomination process, where Bob Dosanjh Singh was ultimately chosen as the candidate for Brampton East.
Lal emphasized that the voice in the SFJ video post is not his and reiterated the urgency of his request for police protection. He is currently awaiting a response from PRP regarding his security appeal.