London: A dispute over serving halal meat escalated into a violent confrontation at a Punjabi restaurant in Hammersmith, London, with the owner alleging threats, vandalism and police action following the incident.
Restaurant owner Harman Kapoor, who has been running his establishment for over 16 years, claimed that tensions began after he put up a notice on March 14 stating that halal meat would not be served at his restaurant.
According to Kapoor, the announcement led to a large group of people gathering outside the restaurant, allegedly attempting to disrupt operations and damage property. He claimed that he was pressured to serve halal meat and that he had to defend himself during the confrontation.
Kapoor further alleged that his residence was also targeted and that he received threats following the incident. He also criticised the police response, claiming that instead of acting against those involved in the alleged attack, authorities detained him.
Police reached the spot after reports of a disturbance outside the restaurant and dispersed the crowd. Kapoor was taken into custody for allegedly displaying a kirpan during the incident, which authorities said could constitute a violation of local laws related to carrying weapons in public. He was later released on bail after questioning.
The controversy intensified after Kapoor shared a post on X calling for a “non-halal meetup” at his restaurant, which went viral and drew a large crowd.
The restaurant, known for its Punjabi cuisine, is now reportedly facing uncertainty amid the ongoing dispute. The Metropolitan Police has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
