A 57-year-old Toronto resident of Indian origin, Ranendra Lal Banerjee, has been arrested by the Peel Regional Police in Canada for allegedly inciting hatred during protests at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 4. Banerjee faces charges under section 319 (1) of Canada’s Criminal Code, which pertains to “public incitement of hatred.” This arrest comes amid rising tensions involving the Indian diaspora and recent protests targeting religious institutions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Peel Regional Police spokesperson Tyler Bell indicated, in a video statement released on Thursday via X, formerly Twitter, that the arrest followed the circulation of multiple videos capturing inflammatory behavior. According to Bell, Banerjee was seen using a loudspeaker to incite violence and hatred during the demonstrations. Police acted after reviewing this footage as part of an ongoing investigation into the disturbances.

Police Hunt for Additional Suspects in Peel Region

Peel Regional Police have also issued warrants for two other suspects: 24-year-old Armaan Gahlot from Kitchener and 22-year-old Arpit, whose surname has not been disclosed. Both individuals are accused of several charges, including threatening to cause death or bodily harm, conspiring to commit assault with a weapon, and conspiring to commit mischief. Authorities have called for both Gahlot and Arpit to seek legal counsel and surrender to law enforcement, stating that any acts of violence or intimidation will be dealt with firmly.

The Peel Regional Police have expressed appreciation towards those protestors who remained peaceful during the unrest. However, they reiterated that any threats or incidents of violence, vandalism, or intimidation would not be tolerated, as they continue to investigate the events surrounding the protests.

Indian Prime Minister Modi Condemns Attacks on Hindu Sabha Mandir

In response to the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir, describing it as a “cowardly attempt to intimidate” members of the Indian community in Canada. He further stated that India expects Canadian authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. Modi’s remarks reflect a broader concern within the Indian government over the safety of its diaspora in foreign countries amid rising instances of ethnic and religious tension.

Indian Consulate Cancels Upcoming Camps Citing Security Concerns

Following the protests, the Indian consulate in Toronto has taken precautionary steps by cancelling several upcoming facilitation camps. The decision was made after receiving insufficient security assurances from Canadian authorities. This development was shared on social media by the consulate on Wednesday, citing communications from Canadian security agencies indicating their limited ability to ensure adequate protection at these events.

Moreover, Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah sent a formal letter to the acting Indian Consul-General Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh. In the letter, Chief Duraiappah acknowledged the rising tension surrounding consular events being held at religious venues across the GTA. He expressed concerns over the potential threats to safety at such events, urging caution and the need for enhanced security measures.

Heightened Tensions Highlight Fragile Relations

These incidents reflect the increasingly fragile relations between sections of the Indian diaspora and Canadian authorities. In recent months, demonstrations targeting diplomatic and religious facilities have become more common, exacerbating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Experts say that effective communication and a strong law-and-order approach are vital to maintaining harmony between communities.

  Armaan Gahlot, Brampton, Greater Toronto Area, Hindu Sabha Mandir, Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Narendra Modi, Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police, Ranendra Lal Banerjee