The conviction of British-born Sikh Vickrum Singh Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Nowak has sparked street protests over the legal right of Sikhs to carry kirpans in public.Around 40 members of protest group Southampton Patriots gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Thursday, demanding accountability over the police response to the fatal stabbing that took place in December 2025. Officers monitored the demonstration, which featured music and was overseen by a police drone.The case has also gained traction among right-wing activists and political groups.Nick Marcel Tenconi, UKIP leader and COO of Turning Point UK, joined calls for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to release bodycam footage from the incident, as demands for accountability over the police response continued to increase.
Police apology after victim was handcuffed
The controversy stems from the actions of police officers who responded to the stabbing scene. During the murder trial, jurors heard that Digwa allegedly misled officers by claiming he had been the victim of a racist assault.As a result, officers initially treated Henry Nowak as a suspect and placed him in handcuffs despite the teenager having suffered multiple stab wounds.Deputy Chief Constable Robert France later apologised, saying he was “really sorry” that Henry had been arrested and handcuffed shortly before losing consciousness.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that its investigation into Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s handling of the incident remains ongoing.
Murder trial rejected self-defence claim
Nowak, a first-year university student from Chafford Hundred in Essex, had been walking back to his accommodation after a night out with football teammates when he encountered Digwa.The 23-year-old used a 21cm ceremonial kirpan, a blade carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith, during the attack. Digwa claimed he acted in self-defence, alleging that Nowak was intoxicated, racially abused him and knocked off his turban.However, prosecutors argued the account was a fabricated “wicked lie” designed to evade responsibility. Evidence presented during the trial showed Nowak’s alcohol level was below the legal drink-driving limit when he died. The jury unanimously found Digwa guilty of murder.Digwa’s mother was also convicted of assisting an offender after helping remove the weapon following the attack.
Kirpan exemption becomes political flashpoint
The case has since fuelled calls for changes to Britain’s knife laws, particularly the legal exemption that allows Sikhs to carry kirpans in public for religious reasons.Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf said the party would abolish the exemption if it came to power, arguing that no member of the public should be permitted to carry bladed weapons.“I don’t care what religion you are. Nobody other than law enforcement will get to carry deadly weapons under a Reform government,” Yusuf wrote on social media platform X.The party has also proposed expanding stop-and-search powers as part of a broader strategy to tackle knife crime.The proposal has drawn criticism from politicians and Sikh community representatives who argue that the actions of a single individual should not be used to restrict a longstanding religious practice.Labour MP Sarah Coombes rejected calls for a ban, saying it would unfairly stigmatise an entire faith community.“Both the Tories and Reform are now saying the kirpan should be banned. This is totally wrong,” she said.
