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

Three windows were broken at the Raj restaurant, in High Street, Witney, last Friday, 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 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 now 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, but why me?

"All I'm trying to do is make a few pounds and mind my own business.

"I'm 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.

Source: Witney Gazette.

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