Indian eatery in Minneapolis burnt down as owners want justice for George Floyd

“Let the buildings burn, but justice needs to be served,” says Gandhi Mahal owner

Image source: gandhimahal.com Image source: gandhimahal.com

A popular Indian restaurant at South Minneapolis in the United States was set ablaze amid the ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man, in police custody.

Gandhi Mahal restaurant, which is just doors away from the Minneapolis Police Department headquarters, was burnt down by protesters on Thursday night.

"Let the buildings burn. Justice needs to be served. Put those officers in jail,” said Ruhel Islam, the owner of the eatery. Ruhel's family is of Bangladeshi origin.

In a Facebook post, Ruhel's daughter Hafsa Islam said: “We will rebuild and we will recover”.

“Sadly Gandhi Mahal has caught fire and has been damaged. We won’t loose hope though, I am so grateful to our neighbors who did their best to stand guard and protect Gandhi Mahal. Your efforts won’t go unrecognized,” she said.

“As I am sitting next to my dad watching news, I hear him say on the phone: 'let my building burn, but justice needs to be served, put those officers in jail',” she further said in her post which is winning heart on social media.

“Gandhi Mahal may have felt the flames last night, but our fiery drive to help protect and stand with our community will never die! Peace be with everyone,” Hafsa added.

Thousands of protesters ignored a curfew and vows of a forceful police response to take to the Minneapolis streets for a fourth straight night, as the anger stoked by the death of George Floyd in police custody spread to more cities across the US.

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the white officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man, did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.