In a statement posted to social media platform, X, Harman Singh Kapoor, owner of the popular Rangrez Indian Restaurant in Hammersmith, London, said that the restaurant will be closing its doors in 30 days after 16 years of service. Kapoor indicated that the decision to close the restaurant was caused by rising operational costs, an increase in online harassment, and repeated attacks on his business, especially from individuals of Pakistani descent. He also indicated that he has received inadequate support from the Metropolitan Police in dealing with these issues.
Kapoor’s post conveyed his belief that the decision to close was necessary but difficult for him to make. He described the past 16 years in business as “unforgettable,” and expressed his gratitude to all of his customers who have supported him throughout that time. His final statement was directed to his attackers, stating: “To the radicals: While you may disrupt my business, you cannot break my will.”
Allegations of Threats and Harassment
Kapoor stated that an attack on his restaurant followed his posting of videos which negatively critiqued the Khalistan movement. He said that he received phone calls with hate speech, threats, and online harassment after posting those videos. Kapoor said he was physically intimidated into removing the videos from his social media and performing provocation chants, as well as other atrocious behaviour that the Canadian diaspora does collectively to protest against. The UK Police confirmed that they responded to calls they received about these alleged attacks and took some proactive actions, including reviewing closed circuit television video footage and providing additional protection to Kapoor. There have been no public disclosures as to those alleged to have carried out the attacks.
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Community Reaction/Context
The announcement of the attack generated significant reactions through social media, including those from individuals who identify as supporters of Kapoor and his restaurant’s food offerings; and those with some level of skepticism about some of the aspects of Kapoor’s public comments.
With the closing of Rangrez, an institution in Hammersmith’s food scene for several decades, the move by its owner toward political activism highlights important ongoing discussions regarding safety and harassment through digital platforms and the state of relationships between communities within urban multicultural areas.
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