Harman Singh Kapoor has announced that he will close his Indian restaurant Rangrez next month after serving diners in London for 16 years. He cited spiraling costs, repeated disturbances, alleged attacks by groups identified as Pakistani and inadequate support from the Met Police as reasons for the closure.
“After 16 unforgettable years, I have made the difficult decision to close Rangrez restaurant Hammersmith next month,” Mr Kapoor, who runs the Hammersmith restaurant with his wife, told X.
He added: “Rising costs, ongoing online harassment, repeated disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis and lack of adequate support from the Met Police have made it impossible to continue.”
‘You may interfere with my business, but not my will.’
Kapoor said he would now focus entirely on activism. “Now is the time to commit to activism without distraction. Radicals must keep this in mind: You can interfere with my work, but not my will. I am now coming after you harder, no strings attached.”
He thanked customers for their support over the years. “Thank you to all our true customers who have supported us over the years. Thank you always. Thank you Team Langrez. Harman Kapoor and family.”
The post attracted a lot of attention online. One user wrote: “Sorry to hear this, Harman. I enjoyed my visit to Langraige in Hammersmith and the food was good.” Another netizen commented, “It’s sad to hear the news of the business closing. Is it disgusting to think that people pay taxes for some reason?” A third added: “Keep going, we’ll get the job done.”
Background of threats and attacks
Kapoor had previously spoken publicly about the threats he and his family received after posting a video on social media criticizing the Khalistan movement. He said his restaurant was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters days after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalized in 2023.
He claimed at the time that he, his wife and children had faced death threats, abusive phone calls and online threats and asked: “Do we have to die for the police to take action?” He claimed that the attackers demanded that he delete his videos and raise slogans like ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and ‘Hindustan Murdabad’.
British police said officers attended the scene and took protective measures, including speaking to the victim, reviewing CCTV and providing additional protection. But Kapoor claimed the family continues to live in fear as those responsible remain at large.
From acts of vandalism at the Indian High Commission to repeated claims of intimidation by activists, the controversy surrounding Kapoor’s stance has still captured public attention. Now, with Rangrez set to wind down, the long-running dispute has come to a head with the closure of a business that has been operating in London for more than 15 years.
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