Hundreds protested outside Singh’s Dining after its Sikh owner refused to serve halal meat. The confrontation intensified a dispute involving alleged threats, social media posts and police protection.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside an Indian restaurant in west London on Friday night, demanding its closure after its Sikh owner refused to sell halal food, as reported by Daily Mail.

The eatery, located a short walk from the well-appointed Hammersmith Grove, has a sign written in marker on its shopfront that reads, “Proudly non-halal.” The neighbourhood is also home to acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes and comedian Bill Bailey.

The restaurant’s owner, Harman Singh Kapoor, has faced criticism over his refusal to serve halal meat and his social media posts about Muslims and the conflict in Gaza. Kapoor, however, claims that he and his family have received hundreds of death threats and faced harassment, intimidation and threats of violence over the restaurant’s food policy.

The protest outside Singh’s Dining, formerly known as Rangrez, in Hammersmith, prompted Metropolitan Police officers to form a line to keep the crowd away from the restaurant.

Outside, a large crowd, consisting mostly of men, could be heard shouting “Allahu Akbar”, “Shame on you” and “Free Palestine” while waving Palestinian flags.

Another video circulating on social media showed a man addressing the protesters through a microphone and asking, “What do we want with this scumbag over here?” The crowd responded, “Shut them down!”

Private security guards were also present outside the restaurant, reportedly hired by actor John Cleese, known for his role in Fawlty Towers. Cleese has previously spoken out in support of the restaurant.

In another video, Khushi addressed the camera and said, “Thank you John Cleese, thank you for supporting us, thank you for sending security.”

Footage from the protest showed Kapoor’s wife, Khushi, holding up a sign against the restaurant’s window thanking Cleese. It read, “John Cleese is paying to defend this restaurant – because Met Police won’t.”

Kapoor has also faced backlash over his social media activity, including posts featuring him holding strips of bacon, which Muslims are prohibited from eating. One accompanying caption read, “Behold. Bacon can save Western countries.”

In another post, he filmed the restaurant’s meat counter and wrote, “Top quality pork on sale at Harrods.”

The restaurant owner has repeatedly referred to threats he claims to have received from “Islamists”. He has also alleged on multiple occasions that people pelted eggs at the restaurant’s windows.

Kapoor said that the controversy has affected his business financially, with protesters calling for a boycott of the restaurant. He has also alleged that he repeatedly sought help from the Metropolitan Police but did not receive additional protection.

OWNER ARRESTED HOURS BEFORE PROTEST

In a further development, Kapoor was arrested at his west London home just hours before the planned protest on Friday, leaving his wife to face the crowd outside the restaurant.

The restaurateur confirmed his arrest through a social media post and shared a video showing him with police officers before he was taken away in a police car. His arrest is believed to be connected to a social media post referencing Islam.

In a statement accompanying the video, Kapoor said, “For days, I have been desperately asking the Metropolitan Police for help, protection and assurances regarding the safety of my family and our business.

“Despite repeatedly contacting the Met Police and raising serious concerns, I was arrested at my own home this morning and am now in police custody.

“What makes this situation even more frightening is that I am in handcuffs while my family is left outside, facing serious safety concerns on the day of the planned protest.

“This protest is not simply about our business selling non-halal food. It is also about the harassment, intimidation and threats of violence that my family and I say we have been experiencing.

“We have been asking for protection because we fear for our family’s safety. We want to live peacefully, run our business and exercise our rights without fear of being targeted, harassed or harmed.”

He further said, “No family should have to live in fear. No one should face intimidation or threats because of the food their business chooses to sell.

“We are asking for safety, justice, equality and the right to live and work peacefully. Our family’s safety must come first.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail, “A 54-year-old man was arrested on Friday, 13 November on suspicion of possession and distribution of an extreme image.”