Hindu temple priest in Brampton reinstated after suspension over alleged ‘violent rhetoric’.

Brampton Hindu Sabha priest suspended in Canada for ‘violent rhetoric’ reinstated after decision of  ‘cleared wrongdoing’. 

Gurmeet Singh Sandhu | HENB | New Delhi  | Nov 9, 2024:: A Hindu temple priest in Brampton, Canada, previously suspended for allegedly promoting violent rhetoric, has been reinstated to his position. Rajender Prasad’s reinstatement follows a thorough investigation that cleared him of any wrongdoing. The Hindu Canadian Foundation has spoken out, highlighting an alarming trend that appears to target and defame Hindu Canadians and their community.

The organization specifically criticized Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, saying his actions were questionable and harmed the priest’s reputation without evidence or proper inquiry. “Patrick Brown, your role in this matter appears questionable… Hindu Canadians and Hindus in Brampton demand a clear explanation,” the foundation stated.

This development raises important questions about fairness, due process, and the protection of individual reputations.

Priest Rajendra Prasad  was suspended after a violent clash broke out at the Hindu Sabha Temple on November 3. The incident occurred when protesters carrying Khalistani flags disrupted a consular event co-hosted by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. The protesters stormed the event, leading to fistfights and people hitting each other with poles.

In its official statement, the Hindu Canadian Foundation clarified that Hindu Sabha had not authorised Priest Rajinder Parsad’s involvement in these activities, leading to his initial suspension. Following a thorough review, the temple reinstated him to his duties.

“Hindu Sabha had no prior knowledge of his involvement in these activities. Based on preliminary input, Priest Rajinder Parsad was suspended. As a result of further review, we have now reinstated Priest Rajinder Parsad to his duties and responsibilities at Hindu Sabha,” the statement read as.

“Hindu Sabha remains committed to fostering unity & peaceful coexistence within our diverse Canadian society,” it added.

In the meanwhile Canadian PM Justin Trudeau condemned the Brampton Temple attack and admitted the presence of Khalistani extremism in Canada. Side by side he did not spare the Hindu Modi supporters in Canada denying that ‘All Hindus in Canada are not Modi supporters”.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya also condemned the recent attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, which occurred on November 3. He also criticised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration, suggesting it has contributed to a growing divide between Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. 
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__Inputs from TOI, Mojo Story and India Today.