'They will not drive me out' (From Witney Gazette)

'They will not drive me out'

2:57pm Monday 5th March 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

THE owner of an Indian restaurant which has been hit by vandals believes he has been deliberately targeted.

Three windows were broken at the Raj restaurant, in High Street, Witney, on Friday, February 23, prompting a police appeal for witnesses.

But proprietor, Raju Ahmed, believes the attack was part of a concerted effort to scare him out of Witney.

The incident, which caused £900 of damage, followed an attack on a friend's car two weeks earlier. It had been parked near the restaurant.

Mr Ahmed, 32, said he suspected who was behind the incidents - and feared for his, and his family's, safety.

The father of three opened the 42-seat restaurant, previously known as Shapla, in December. He runs it with his brother, Jabed, 27.

Mr Ahmed is originally from London, but has been in Witney for ten years. He previously worked as a partner at another Indian restaurant in the town.

He said: "My brother left the restaurant at 3am on Friday morning, and when we came back at 11am, we found the damage. They must have been watching him. I felt sick. You can tell it is no accident.

"It has been deliberately targeted. They must have used a hammer.

"It has not been done by someone walking by. They have come out especially to do this. Customers are shocked, and I am sad and angry.

"I have my suspicions," he said. "But why me?"

"All I'm trying to do is make a few pounds, and mind my own business. I am worried they might now come after me. I'm watching my back, and looking out for me and my family."

But he insisted it was 'business as usual' at Raj.

"There is no way they are going to drive me out of Witney. My customers are behind me 100 per cent.

"This is a new business, and we are very proud of it. The service and the food is top notch, and many people say it is the best in town.

"We have young staff and the atmosphere is very jolly. When customers come in, they feel like it's their own home."

Thames Valley Police spokesman, Victoria Bartlett, said: "We take acts of mindless criminal damage very seriously, and urge anyone who witnessed this incident, or has any information, to contact officers."

Anyone with information should contact Witney police station, via 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

* Mr Ahmed is inviting diners to join a charity dinner at the Raj restaurant, to help raise funds for the Oxford Children's Hospital.

The event takes place on April 4. A set meal of home-cooked Indian and Bangladeshi food costs £15 per person - all of which will be donated to the hospital. Drinks are extra.

Mr Ahmed hopes to raise more than £650 on the evening.

He said: "I have kids of my own, and know how it is when they are ill.

"People can come down and support their local children's hospital, and have a good meal too."

To book, call the Raj, on 01993 703430.