Canada Mandir Tension: Three Hindu leaders arrested for inciting violence
Brampton, November 8, 2024:Brammton Peel Police has arrested three non-sikh persons for inciting violence against Sikh community during demonstrations held around Hindu Temple.
Read full statement of Peel Police:
Region of Peel –Investigators from the 21 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau have arrested and charged an individual involved in demonstrations at a Brampton Mandir.
On Monday, November 4, Peel Regional Police responded to a large demonstration at a Mandir on The Gore Road in Brampton. As tensions between opposing sides increased, the Public Order Unit was deployed to ensure the safety of all participants.
Police began investigating several offences that occurred during the demonstrations, many of which were captured on video.
In one video, an individual is captured using a loudspeaker to incite violence, calling for groups to storm Sikh temples.
On November 6, 2024, Ranendra Lal Banerjee, a 57-year-old man from Toronto was arrested and charged with Public incitement of hatred contrary to section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada. He was released with conditions and is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.
Arrest warrants have since been issued for 24-year-old Armaan Gahlot of Kitchener, and 22-year-old Arpit (No surname) of no fixed address for the following offences:
Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm.
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Weapon.
Conspiracy to Commit Mischief.
As investigators make attempts to locate, they are encouraged to seek legal counsel and turn themselves into police
Peel Regional Police is committed to respecting an individual’s right to protest, as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Any acts of violence, threats of violence or vandalism will not be tolerated. We appreciate the cooperation of those who remained peaceful during these events.
Peel Regional Police has since formed a Strategic Investigative Team dedicated to investigating all incidents of criminality during the November 3 and 4 incidents.
Investigators are asking anyone with video of any of the demonstrations, to submit them.