Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Feb 24: After 16 years of serving diners in London, Harman Singh Kapoor has announced that he will shut his Indian restaurant Rangrez in Hammersmith next month, citing rising costs, repeated disturbances and alleged attacks, along with what he described as inadequate support from the Metropolitan Police.
Kapoor, who runs the restaurant with his wife, made the announcement on social media platform X. “After 16 unforgettable years, I’ve made the difficult decision to close Rangrez restaurant Hammersmith next month,” he wrote.
He added that “rising costs, ongoing online harassment, repeated disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis and a lack of proper support from the Met Police have made it impossible to continue.”
Kapoor said he would now focus fully on activism. “Now it’s time for me to dedicate myself fully to activism without distraction. Radicals should keep this in mind: you can disrupt my business, but not my will,” he stated, thanking customers for their support over the years.
The announcement triggered strong reactions online, with several users expressing sympathy and praising the restaurant’s food, while others criticised the alleged lack of protection despite taxes being paid.
Kapoor had earlier spoken publicly about threats received after he posted a video criticising the Khalistan movement. In 2023, he claimed his restaurant was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters days after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalised.
At the time, he alleged that he, his wife and their children received death threats, abusive calls and online intimidation, and that attackers demanded removal of his video and the raising of pro-Khalistan slogans.
UK police had said officers attended the scene, spoke with the victim and implemented safeguarding measures, including reviewing CCTV footage and offering additional protection. However, Kapoor maintained that those responsible were not brought to justice and that his family continued to feel unsafe.
With Rangrez now set to close, a restaurant that operated in London for over a decade and a half will bring down its shutters amid a prolonged controversy and security concerns.