Controversy erupts in London after a Sikh-owned Indian restaurant is at the centre of a huge controversy regarding halal food. How this incident has become a hot topic among people online stems from the fact that many people have posted or shared pictures/videos on social media sites that have claimed police were deployed outside glitch restaurant to monitor protests by those demanding the restaurant to serve halal meat.
A viral post on social media sites claims that “a large police presence was on the streets last night in Hammersmith” due to the Sikh family restaurant being confronted by large crowds due to its refusal to serve halal food. This post claims that the restaurant’s owner has received multiple “death and rape threats” as a result of refusing to sell halal food, stating that this incident represents “the reality of Sadiq Khan’s London.” The controversy surrounding the Sikh restaurant has highlighted the divide among the members of the Sikh community regarding their views on vegetarianism versus consuming meat, as well as their respective views on the need to serve halal food.
🚨POLICE SWARM HAMMERSMITH AS SIKH RESTAURANT FACES HALAL ULTIMATUM & SERIOUS THREATS
Huge police presence in Hammersmith last night.
A Sikh family restaurant faced crowds protesting its refusal to sell halal food.
Owner reports death and r*pe threats for not complying.… pic.twitter.com/YqCpTNn4r5
— Skint Eastwood (@Skint_Eastwood1) March 14, 2026
Restaurant Owner Refuses Halal Demand
Harman Singh Kapoor, who is Indian by origin and the owner of Rangrez, a restaurant in the middle of the issue, has been posting videos on social media of disturbances occurring outside of his restaurant. The problems arose over the sign located at the front of the restaurant stating that the establishment does not provide halal meat.
In one video that is posted online; Kapoor is arguing with people standing outside of his restaurant as the situation escalates to an argument. At one point, during the argument, he is heard saying, “I am proud of my decision to not sell halal products.”
Kapoor also stated that it is his right to have the sign posted because it is his restaurant. In another clip, he is again saying that he is proud of the decision to not sell halal in a heated moment with a man standing outside of the establishment. The sign that is on the front of the restaurant stated, “Proudly do not sell halal meat.”
Police Presence During Dispute
The police were also involved in the altercation. Kapoor published a different video showing officers with the Metropolitan Police Service at the location. In this video, he seemed angry with the officers and yelled at them to “go away.” He also claimed via social media that when the police arrived they acted aggressively toward him and he had to eject them from the premises.
Kapoor claimed online that he was being singled out because he does not serve halal food. He said on social media that he received “abuse and attacks from Muslim people” after he put up a “Proudly We Don’t Serve Halal” sign. He stated that he does not understand how other restaurants in the area can have halal signage without being targeted by angry customers.
Restaurant Closure After 16 Years
This entire ordeal began after he made the announcement that his restaurant would be closing after 16 years of business, due to ongoing issues such as harassment, rising operational costs, and disruptions due to the current dispute.
According to UK law, restaurants can offer any type of food they wish to serve, and there is no requirement that restaurants provide halal food. However, halal meat is an important part of many Muslim households in cities (such as London), and the controversy surrounding this issue continues to generate debate.
Khalid Qasid is a media enthusiast with a strong interest in documentary filmmaking. He holds a Master’s degree in Convergent Journalism from AJK MCRC. He has also written extensively on esports at Sportsdunia. Currently, he covers world and general news at NewsX Digital.
