The murder conviction of Vickrum Digwa for the killing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has ignited a fresh debate over the ceremonial blades known as kirpans, which are carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith. The jury at Southampton Crown Court heard that Digwa wore a small kirpan under his clothing around his neck, fulfilling his religious obligation, but also chose to carry a much larger knife that was used in the fatal stabbing.
What is a Kirpan?
A kirpan is a ceremonial sword or dagger that represents one of the five articles of faith for practising Sikhs, collectively known as the five K's because each term begins with the letter K in Punjabi. The other four articles are kesh (uncut hair, typically covered by a turban), kara (a steel bracelet), kanga (a small wooden comb), and kachhera (cotton shorts). The word kirpan is derived from two Punjabi words: kirpa, meaning grace, and aan, meaning defence. Kirpans are traditionally worn close to the body and are often small with a curved blade. Sikh organisations emphasise that the kirpan symbolises dignity, a duty to stand against injustice, and the protection of the vulnerable.
Legal Status of Kirpans
Under UK law, it is permissible to possess a kirpan for religious, ceremonial, sporting, or historical reasons. However, like any bladed object, a kirpan can be classified as an offensive weapon if it is used unlawfully. The government states that it is ultimately up to a court to determine whether a person had a valid reason for carrying a knife or weapon if charged with illegal possession.
Details of the Case
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) indicated that Digwa carried two ceremonial blades, referring to both as kirpans. The judge, who described the weapon used in the murder as a “large Sikh dagger,” accepted this assessment. However, leaders within the Sikh community, who have unanimously condemned the murder, argue that the blade employed by Digwa was not a genuine kirpan. The Sikh Press Association has announced plans to directly address all initiated Sikhs in the UK regarding the rules and responsibilities associated with kirpans.
Calls for a Ban
Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, is leading calls for a review of religious exemptions related to the carrying of knives following the murder. She described the stabbing of the university student as a “national tragedy” and stated that she is writing to Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the issue. Meanwhile, Reform UK has called for a complete ban on kirpans.
Political Reactions
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has faced widespread condemnation for his response, in which he called for “pure cold rage” over the case. Farage claimed, “An accusation of a racial slur was treated more seriously than an act of murder.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” following the murder of Henry Nowak, who was falsely accused of racism by Digwa before being fatally stabbed with a ceremonial dagger. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mahmood revealed that one police officer had been misidentified and forced to relocate after receiving death threats.
Response from the British Sikh Community
Sikh organisations have strongly condemned the killing. In a joint statement, they said: “This isn’t representative of the Sikh community. This was one man.” They also warned that the broader Sikh community has faced abuse in the aftermath of the incident. Community leaders in the UK have stressed that Digwa’s actions should not be seen as representative of Sikh beliefs or practices. The murder has amplified longstanding anxieties within the Sikh community across the country. According to the British Sikh Report 2025, released in January, 49% of surveyed Sikhs expressed concern about rising anti-Sikh sentiment, while 50% worried that misinformation on social media could fuel hostility towards Sikhs.
