After 16 years of welcoming diners in London, Harman Singh Kapoor has announced he will close his Indian restaurant, Rangrez, next month. He cited spiralling costs, repeated disturbances, alleged attacks by groups he identified as Pakistanis, and what he called inadequate support from the Met Police as reasons for the shutdown.
Kapoor, who runs the Hammersmith-based restaurant with his wife, made the announcement on X. “After 16 unforgettable years, I’ve made the difficult decision to close Rangrez restaurant Hammersmith next month,” he wrote.
He added, “Rising costs, ongoing online harassment, repeated disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis and a lack of proper support from the Met Police have made it impossible to continue.”
‘YOU CAN DISRUPT MY BUSINESS, BUT NOT MY WILL’
Kapoor said he would now focus entirely on activism. “Now it’s time for me to dedicate myself fully to activism without distraction. Radicals should keep this in mind: you can disrupt my business, but not my will. I’m coming after you stronger now, with no strings attached.”
He thanked customers for their support over the years. “Thank you to every genuine customer who supported us over the years. Grateful always. Thanks. Team Rangrez. Harman Kapoor & family.”
The post drew widespread attention online. One user wrote, “Sorry to hear this, Harman. I have had the delight of visiting Rangrez in Hammersmith & the food was fine.” Another commented, “I’m sorry to hear about your business closing. It’s despicable to think you pay taxes for what reason?” A third added, “Keep going, we will get the job done.”
BACKGROUND OF THREATS AND ATTACKS
Kapoor had earlier spoken publicly about threats he and his family received after he posted a video on social media criticising the Khalistan movement. In 2023, he said his restaurant was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters days after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalised.
“Do we have to die for the police to take action,” he had asked at the time, alleging that he, his wife and their children faced death threats, abusive calls and online intimidation. He claimed attackers demanded that he remove his video and raise slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Hindustan Murdabad”.
UK police had said officers attended the scene, spoke to the victim and put safeguarding measures in place, including reviewing CCTV and offering additional protection. However, Kapoor maintained that the family continued to live in fear as those responsible remained at large.
From vandalism at the Indian High Commission to repeated claims of intimidation by activists, the controversy surrounding Kapoor’s stance has remained in the public eye. With Rangrez now set to close, the long-running dispute has culminated in the end of a business that had operated in London for over a decade and a half.
