The Sikh Federation has accused the UK Home Office of "inappropriately targeting" the kirpan, a sacred Sikh religious blade, in an attempt to "deflect from police failings" in the case of Henry Nowak's murder. The group stated that the murder weapon was not a kirpan and that the Home Office is using the case as a "deflection tactic."
Henry Nowak, 18, was fatally stabbed in Southampton on December 3 by Vickrum Digwa, 23. Police handcuffed Nowak as he lay dying, after Digwa allegedly made a false accusation of racial abuse against him. Digwa was sentenced to at least 21 years in prison for the murder, a sentence later increased to 25 years by the Court of Appeal.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has indicated that she is considering changes to knife legislation, following calls from Nowak's father for greater clarity on the legal definition and appearance of the Sikh kirpan. Mr. Nowak's father suggested that the law should define the kirpan's size, type, and whether it must be visible. Mahmood stated that she has "not taken any options off the table" but emphasized the importance of balancing religious expression with criminal law.
The Sikh Federation argues that the Home Office's focus on the kirpan is inappropriate, particularly since the murder weapon was not a kirpan. Dabinderjit Singh, the group's chief executive for political engagement, stated that the government should address the "failures that allowed this tragedy to happen" instead of allowing "inaccurate and harmful narratives about the Sikh faith to take hold."
The federation is encouraging Gurdwaras and thousands of Sikhs to contact MPs and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, demanding that the Home Office cease its "discriminatory approach" and engage with Sikh organizations. The group has demanded an urgent meeting with the government.
"Sikhs support public safety and the fight against knife crime," Singh added. "But we will not accept the sacred kirpan being falsely associated with a murder weapon that was not a kirpan. The Home Office must stop this divisive and irresponsible agenda and meet Sikh institutions immediately."
Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, was jailed for three years for assisting an offender after hiding the murder weapon. She is expected to be released soon.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating potential failures in the police response to the stabbing. Two officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct, with the investigation expected to conclude early next year.