There is no indication that these crimes are hate-motivated
ONTARIO’S Peel Regional Police announced on Friday that their investigators from the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have laid a total of 78 charges against three men, after a series of break-and-enters occurred at places of worship, from multiple faiths, in Brampton and Mississauga.
Investigators are continuing to search for a known fourth suspect while a warrant for his arrest is being sought, and are urging him to speak with legal counsel and arrange to speak with officers.
A Peel Regional Police spokesperson told The VOICE that there were nine Hindu temples, two Jain temples and two gurdwaras that were broken into. “There were multiple faiths that were affected,” he added.
Between November 2021 and March 2022, the suspects gained access into buildings, proceeded to remove cash from donation boxes inside of the premises, and subsequently fled the area. Numerous officers were assigned to the investigation, and on March 3, 2022, the following individuals were arrested and subsequently charged:
* Jagdish Pandher, a 39-year-old man from Brampton
* Gursharnjeet Dhindsa, a 31-year-old man from Brampton
* Parminder Gill, a 42-year-old man from Brampton
Each of them have been charged with:
– Disguise with intent (13 counts)
– Break, enter and commit an indictable offence (13 counts)
All three men will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Friday for a bail hearing.
Police said that at this time, the investigation is still ongoing and there is no indication that these crimes are hate-motivated. However, all possible motives will continue to be considered as this investigation progresses. Members from our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau and our Crime Prevention Services, have continued to provide proactive prevention support to reduce further break-ins and financial loss.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact investigators at the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453–2121, extension 2133. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
