Statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Defaced in Brampton

A statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, was defaced by pro-Palestinian protesters in Brampton, Canada, on September 28, triggering widespread outrage among the Indian and Sikh communities. The incident, which was captured on video, showed masked individuals vandalizing the statue, with one reportedly identified as Hosaam Hamdan, known for similar acts against cultural monuments. The Hindu American Foundation condemned the act as a hate crime, emphasizing the Maharaja's significance as a defender of India against invaders. Critics, including Daniel Bordman from the National Telegraph, highlighted the incident as part of a broader narrative of cultural disrespect, asserting that it transcends the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This incident echoes previous attacks on Ranjit Singh's statue, most notably in Pakistan, raising concerns over the treatment of historical figures in contemporary political protests. The Peel Police are investigating the matter, though no official statements have been released yet.