Sikh Owner Arrested After London Restaurant Clash

A confrontation outside a west London Indian restaurant escalated into a police arrest on March 14, 2026, after the owner refused to serve halal meat, drawing crowds of protesters and supporters to the scene in Hammersmith.

Harman Singh Kapoor, a Sikh activist and owner of Rangrez on Fulham Palace Road, had operated the family-run establishment for nearly 16 years. In February 2026, he announced its permanent closure, citing rising operational costs alongside months of online harassment, negative reviews, and disturbances linked to his decision to serve only jhatka meat, a method preferred in Sikh tradition that involves a swift kill without ritual slaughter. Kapoor stated that the restaurant had displayed a sign reading "We don't sell halal" from the outset, reflecting his religious beliefs.

Tensions boiled over on March 13 and 14 when a crowd of dozens to more than 100 people gathered outside Rangrez, blocking the entrance and chanting slogans. Earlier that day, Kapoor posted on social media inviting supporters to a "Non-Halal meetup" at 2 p.m., encouraging them to bring recording equipment to document any issues. The gathering attracted both backers and opponents, leading to...