Brampton Kirpan Attack Renews Debate Over Sikh Daggers

April 6, 2010

Author: Raveena Aulakh

Source: Toronto Star

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/791293--brampton-kirpan-attack-renews-debate-over-sikh-daggers?bn=1

The crowd of about 150 people was yelling obscenities and threats outside the Sikh Lehar Centre in Brampton when three temple officials stepped out to pacify them.

Within seconds, one in the crowd, clutching a thick steel bangle, punched Manjit Mangat, the 53-year-old president of the Sikh temple, in the face. Witnesses say at least two men brandished unsheathed kirpans, the Sikh ceremonial dagger.

The next moment, Mangat, a prominent Brampton lawyer, was on the ground — his face bloodied and a 5-inch wound in his abdomen.

Brampton’s Sukhwant Singh, in his early 50s, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, Peel police say. Singh’s next court appearance is on Thursday.