LONDON — An Indian-origin restaurant owner in London was arrested on Saturday, shortly after announcing the permanent closure of his long-running restaurant amid a growing controversy over his “non-halal” policy and a video in which he appeared to make threats.
Arrest at Hammersmith Restaurant
Officers from the Metropolitan Police detained Harman Singh Kapoor outside his restaurant, Rangrez, in the west London district of Hammersmith. Witnesses reported seeing police entering the premises and escorting Kapoor out in handcuffs.
The arrest took place amid heightened tensions surrounding the restaurant owner’s outspoken stance against serving halal meat and his recent social media posts.
Controversial Video and Alleged Threats
The immediate trigger for the police action appears to be a video Kapoor posted shortly before his arrest. In the video, he appeared holding a blade-like weapon and made statements that many interpreted as threats.
In the clip, Kapoor said he had lost trust in the police and warned potential attackers to “be ready to die,” adding that he was “not afraid to kill anymore.” Legal experts believe these statements may have prompted authorities to investigate possible offences related to inciting violence or possession of an offensive weapon.
As of March 15, the Metropolitan Police had not issued a detailed public statement confirming the exact charges.
Restaurant Had Already Announced Closure
Kapoor had already declared that Rangrez, which operated for around 16 years in Hammersmith, would permanently close by late February 2026.
According to the restaurateur, the decision was driven by rising operational costs and what he described as sustained harassment and intimidation campaigns against him and his business.
Despite the closure announcement, the restaurant remained at the center of a growing public controversy in the weeks leading up to the arrest.
“Proudly Non-Halal” Policy Sparks Dispute
The dispute intensified after Kapoor displayed a sign outside the restaurant stating “Proudly Non-Halal,” emphasizing that the establishment would serve only non-halal meat.
Kapoor defended the policy as a personal and religious choice linked to his Sikh beliefs. “My restaurant, my rules. And the rule is: only non-halal,” he said in earlier statements.
The decision triggered protests outside the restaurant and sparked heated debate online, with supporters praising his right to run his business as he wished while critics accused him of stoking religious tensions.
Claims of Harassment and Vandalism
Kapoor has claimed that the dispute escalated into threats and acts of vandalism. He alleged that his car was sprayed with red paint and that demonstrators repeatedly gathered outside the restaurant.
He also accused authorities of failing to adequately protect him and his family during the ongoing tensions.
Long-Running Controversy
The conflict surrounding Kapoor and his restaurant dates back to 2023, when he posted videos criticizing the separatist Khalistan movement. According to Kapoor, the criticism led to backlash and harassment from certain groups.
The later controversy over the restaurant’s non-halal policy further intensified the situation.
Wider Debate in the UK
The case has sparked broader debate in the United Kingdom over the balance between business autonomy, religious sensitivities, and public order.
Some commentators argue that business owners should be free to determine their own food practices, while others say policies perceived as targeting specific communities can inflame social divisions.
For now, Kapoor remains at the center of a legal and political storm as authorities determine whether his statements and actions crossed the line into criminal conduct.
