A large crowd gathered outside a restaurant associated with Sikh activist and restaurateur Harman Singh Kapoor in west London on Friday, November 13, amid growing tensions over its refusal to serve halal meat and allegations of inflammatory remarks about Muslims.
The demonstration took place outside Singh’s Dining on Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, where protesters chanted slogans demanding action against Kapoor and his wife, Khushi. Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators gathering outside the premises, speaking through microphones and calling for the restaurant to be shut down.
The protest brought together members of different communities, including Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, according to footage and reports from the demonstration. Protesters accused Kapoor of promoting divisive rhetoric and expressed opposition to what they described as anti-Muslim comments.
Police officers were present at the scene, monitoring the gathering and speaking with demonstrators. Footage reviewed by media outlets showed a tense atmosphere, although no physical violence or damage to the restaurant was visible in the available clips.
Protesters Condemn Remarks About the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Another major reason behind the demonstration was the reported derogatory remarks Kapoor made about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which further intensified anger among Muslim communities.
Protesters accused Kapoor of repeatedly sharing anti-Islamic and inflammatory content on social media. Demonstrators said their objection extended beyond his restaurant’s non-halal food policy to what they described as offensive rhetoric targeting Islam and its Prophet.
According to 5Pillars, protesters specifically cited his remarks about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as one of the reasons for gathering outside Singh’s Dining.
Controversial Gaza Video Sparks Further Outrage
Kapoor also faced widespread criticism after posting a video in late September in which he questioned why a building in Gaza had not been destroyed by Israeli forces.
In the video, he addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli military, saying: “Now I am asking Bibi and Israel Defense Force… why the f*** this building is still standing in Gaza?”
The building was identified in the accompanying footage as Al-Qadisia Girls School. Kapoor’s post claimed that the structure was being used as an Israeli military base, although that claim has not been independently verified.
The video triggered criticism from pro-Palestinian users, who accused him of mocking the widespread destruction in Gaza and appearing to encourage further attacks on buildings in the besieged territory.
Dispute Over Non-Halal Food Policy
The controversy surrounding Kapoor centres on his restaurant’s decision not to serve halal meat, a policy he has publicly defended as part of his personal and religious beliefs.
Kapoor, who previously operated Rangrez restaurant in Hammersmith for 16 years, has repeatedly spoken about his preference for serving non-halal meat. His position has attracted criticism, particularly following social media posts in which he used inflammatory language to describe Islamic slaughter practices and made controversial remarks about Muslims.
The dispute escalated after his comments circulated online, triggering public criticism and protests outside his business.
Kapoor has maintained that his restaurant has the right to decide what food it serves. He has also alleged that he and his family have faced harassment, intimidation, threats and attacks because of their business policy and public statements.
In February 2026, he announced that Rangrez would close after 16 years, citing rising operating costs, online harassment, repeated disturbances and concerns about his family’s safety. He also accused the Metropolitan Police of failing to provide adequate support.
Kapoor Reports Arrest Ahead of Protest
The demonstration came amid further controversy after Kapoor’s family shared a public statement on November 13 claiming that he had been arrested at his home.
In the statement, Kapoor said he had repeatedly contacted the Metropolitan Police seeking protection for his family and business because of alleged threats and intimidation.
He expressed concern that his family had been left vulnerable while he remained in police custody on the day of the planned demonstration.
Kapoor called for immediate protection for his family, safeguards for the restaurant and its employees, and greater transparency from the police.
He also argued that the dispute went beyond the restaurant’s decision not to sell halal food, describing it as a matter of personal safety, harassment and the right to operate a business without intimidation.
Previous Police Action and Controversy
Kapoor has previously faced police action amid the dispute. In March 2026, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 54-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications following a social media video containing references to threats to kill.
Police said the arrest was connected to the video and not simply to the restaurant’s refusal to serve halal meat. The suspect was subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries, according to reports at the time.
The latest reported arrest is a separate development. The circumstances and legal grounds for the November 14 arrest had not been independently established in the reports available at the time of publication.
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Debate Over Religious Freedom and Public Expression
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about religious freedom, freedom of expression and the responsibilities of business owners when discussing religious communities.
Businesses generally have the freedom to determine their menus and food policies within applicable laws. However, criticism of a business decision and the use of inflammatory language against a religious community are separate matters.
The demonstration also highlighted concerns about maintaining peaceful coexistence among Britain’s diverse communities.
While people have the right to protest against statements they consider offensive, intimidation, threats and violence have no place in a democratic society.
The Metropolitan Police’s handling of the latest developments and the safety concerns raised by Kapoor’s family are likely to remain important aspects of the unfolding controversy.
