Proverbial Last Straw: Diwali Temple Attacks Expose Two-Tier Policing in Canada

It was a weekend of coast-to-coast violence by Khalistani extremists on Hindu temples that should otherwise have been dedicated to Diwali festivities. It may have also been the proverbial last straw that broke the camel’s back of a community that has been faced with an increasing number of attacks on its places of worship and threats against its leaders for 3+ years now. 

The very next day, 6,000 Hindus gathered at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, ON, which was the scene of the violence, to demand justice — a powerful response from a community that has mostly remained silent through the past 3 years of attacks.

During the hour-long protest, the grounds reverberated to the sounds of the Canadian National Anthem as well as Bhajans, the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, and other religious chants. Speakers shared powerful testimonies, highlighting the relentless attacks on Hindu temples by Khalistani extremists and the troubling complicity of the Canadian establishment in emboldening these extremists.

Unfortunately, Canada’s Hindu community continues to face an escalating crisis of safety and security that is further intensified by inflammatory rhetoric from known hate groups like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. On Tuesday, November 5, Pannun put out a provocative post on X accusing Rishabh Sarswat, the president of the Canadian branch of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), and others of “inciting” violence against the Sikh community. Pannun’s words falsely label peaceful advocates for Hindu rights as violent agitators, thereby endangering their safety and adding to the climate of fear and insecurity within Canada’s Hindu community. 

Such targeting of Hindu community leaders is a calculated move aimed at discouraging and, indeed, silencing those who advocate for Canada’s Hindu minority. The Hindu community sees this as a disturbing escalation, especially as it comes alongside a noticeable absence of proactive protection from both law enforcement and political leaders. Many Hindu Canadians now question their safety and are unsure if their political representatives and the police can be counted upon to be reliable allies in their time of need. The political landscape, influenced by Khalistani elements with sway across party lines, leaves Hindus in Canada feeling increasingly marginalized and abandoned.

Police Officer Suspended 

The recent development involving Peel Regional Police points to a more profound problem within law enforcement. Sergeant Harinder Sohi, a member of Peel Police, was suspended for participating in the violent Khalistani demonstration outside Hindu Sabha Mandir on November 3. This demonstration, during which temple attendees were attacked, was not the first of its kind for Sohi, who had previously joined a similar demonstration in Toronto. While the suspension is good, it only came about after intense social media scrutiny from private citizens. This delayed response also signals a deeper issue within the organization, raising concerns about accountability and internal biases.

Unfortunately, these issues are not isolated to Peel Police. Across law enforcement agencies, the Hindu community has observed double standards in policing practices. For instance, in Surrey, when violence erupted at the Laxmi Narayan Temple, officers arrested a minor and two others in a manner that community members described as distressing. Temple attendees felt that they were treated more harshly than the Khalistani demonstrators, deepening the community’s sense of distrust and vulnerability. In Brampton, Officer Aditya Pande was seen as roughhandling temple attendees without any provocation. 

To make matters worse, the following day saw armed individuals at Gurdwara Malton and other locations in Brampton openly brandishing weapons during peaceful counter-protests by the Hindu community. Rather than arrest these armed agitators, Peel Police declared the entire gathering an unlawful assembly—a decision that many see as a failure to protect Hindu Canadians and hold the true instigators accountable.

Need to Rebuild Trust 

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In light of these incidents, Canada’s law enforcement agencies must take immediate steps to rebuild trust with the Hindu community. Consistent and fair policing is essential to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of religious background, can feel safe and supported. 

Geopolitical tension is not an excuse to justify hate against a minority. The safety of Hindu Canadians is not just a matter of public order; it’s a reflection of Canada’s commitment to justice, equality, and protection for all its communities.

(Top photo: 6,000 Canadians gathered in a peaceful protest against anti-Hindu hate on Nov 4.)

Pushpita Prasad is a storyteller and communications professional with a background in working with media, technology, and history. She is passionate about topics related to India, Human Rights, Hinduism, and Culture. Pushpita is involved with organizations focused on advocating for minorities  —  finding their stories and helping to elevate their voices through multiple media and channels.

Rishabh Sarswat is an Environmental Scientist and the President of CoHNA Canada, a grassroots-level advocacy organization representing the Hindu community of Canada.