Surrey: Three Indian-origin men were arrested on the grounds of a temple in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, sparking tension within the local community due to the lack of information on the charges against them, officials said on Monday.
The incident occurred as locals had gathered at the temple for celebrations and worship. Authorities have not yet revealed the specific charges against the detained people and details surrounding the arrests are still being investigated, according to police statements. Witnesses said an increased police presence as officers moved in to make the arrests, but the identities of the three detained young men have not been released.
A spokesperson for the temple expressed concerns over the detentions and urged the community to remain patient while awaiting further information from law enforcement. “We ask the community to exercise patience as we await updates from authorities,” the spokesperson said.
Police links arrests to ongoing investigation
Surrey’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the arrests are connected to an ongoing investigation, though they did not provide specifics on the case. Local leaders have also called for transparency in the investigation, stating the need for trust and cooperation between the police and the community.
The incident follows a recent attack at a Hindu temple in Brampton, where alleged Khalistani supporters were captured on video assaulting worshippers with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable.”
Clashes erupt at Hindu Sabha Mandir
Videos circulating on social media depict clashes between groups of demonstrators at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, including both Khalistan supporters and people waving India’s national flag. Some clips show participants engaging in fistfights and wielding poles during the confrontation. Sikhs for Justice, a banned organisation that advocates for Khalistan, said that its supporters were protesting against the presence of Indian consular officials, who had arrived at the temple to provide administrative services, such as pension assistance for elderly attendees.
