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British Curry Awards founder arrested on alleged slavery charges

A PROMINENT Asian restaurateur was arrested by police on charges related to modern slavery, it was reported this week.

Enam Ali, 58, was allegedly arrested after police raided a restaurant in Surrey.


It is now understood that he has been released under investigation.

Ali, the organiser behind the annual British Curry Awards, is reportedly under investigation for mistreatment of a Bangladeshi former kitchen worker at Le Raj, in Epsom.

According to sources, the former worker claims he had to work long hours without pay, lived in poor conditions above the restaurant, was denied holidays and was kept on after his five-year visa had expired.

Ali has denied the allegations, referring to them as “false, incredibly damaging and deeply upsetting”.

When questioned by Eastern Eye, Surrey Police said they would “neither confirm nor deny any information that would lead to the identification of an individual prior to charge”.

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