‘Online harassment and repeated attacks by Pakistanis’: Indian-origin restaurateur closes ‘Rangrez’ in London after 16 years

An Indian-origin restaurateur in London has announced he will close his restaurant after 16 years in business, citing mounting challenges including rising costs, online harassment, repeated riots he blames on Pakistani groups and what he says is insufficient support from the Metropolitan Police. Rangrez restaurant in Hammersmith will close next month after “16 unforgettable years”, owner Harman Singh Kapoor said on X. He said in the post that the accumulated pressure had made it impossible to continue operating.“After 16 unforgettable years, I have made the difficult decision to close Rangrez restaurant Hammersmith next month. Rising costs, ongoing online harassment, repeated harassment and assault by Pakistanis and a lack of appropriate support from the Metropolitan Police have made the plan untenable. Now is the time for me to immerse myself in action and focus on everything,” he said in a post on X. Kapoor added that he now planned to focus entirely on activism and said attempts to disrupt his business would not weaken his resolve. He thanked the customers who have supported the restaurant over the years.“Activists should remember this: You can disrupt my business, but not my will. I will come after you stronger now, with no strings attached. Thank you to every sincere customer who has supported us over the years,” he added. In 2023, Kapoor claimed the restaurant was targeted after he posted videos on TikTok criticizing the Khalistan movement and figures associated with the movement, including preacher and parliamentarian Amritpal Singh.