The restaurant's shopfront also carries a sign reading: 'Proudly we don't sell halal.'Hundreds of protesters gathered outside an Indian restaurant in west London on Friday, demanding its closure over the owner's refusal to sell halal food. The demonstration prompted a heavy police presence, with officers forming a line outside the premises to keep the crowd at bay.The restaurant, Singh's Dining in Hammersmith, formerly known as Rangrez, is owned by Sikh restaurateur Harman Singh Kapoor. According to a report by the Daily Mail, private security guards were also stationed outside the restaurant, reportedly hired by actor John Cleese, who has previously voiced support for the establishment.Videos circulating on social media showed protesters waving Palestinian flags and shouting slogans, including 'Allahu Akbar', 'Shame on you' and 'Free Palestine'. The restaurant's shopfront also carries a sign reading: 'Proudly we don't sell halal.'The controversy has extended beyond the restaurant's food policy, with Kapoor facing criticism over his social media posts about Muslims, halal meat and the Gaza conflict.Kapoor, however, has alleged that he and his family have received hundreds of death threats and faced harassment and intimidation over their decision not to sell halal meat.He has also claimed that the controversy has affected his business financially.In a further development, Kapoor was arrested at his west London home just hours before the planned demonstration, as reported by the DailyMail. The restaurateur shared a video of himself with police officers before being taken away in a police vehicle. His arrest is believed to be connected to a social media post referencing Islam.Join conversationShare your thoughts in the commentsBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHis wife, Khushi, was left at the restaurant during the protest. In a video, she thanked Cleese for arranging security personnel, holding up a sign that read: 'John Cleese is paying to defend this restaurant – because Met Police won't.'Kapoor had earlier accused the Metropolitan Police of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated requests. He said his family feared for their safety and wanted to run their business without facing threats or intimidation.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.