According to reports from the BBC, The Guardian, and other media outlets, on June 1st, Vikram Digvash, a Sikh man from the UK, was sentenced for murdering Henry Novak, an 18-year-old university student. The murderer was found guilty of murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 21 years without the possibility of parole. This case has once again sparked debates in British society regarding the use of the Sikh ritual sword known as the Kirpan by Sikh communities, as well as the methods used by British police in enforcing laws.
The incident occurred in December last year. Novak died after being stabbed multiple times in the legs and suffering fatal injuries to his heart. Recently, a video footage taken at the time of the incident caused a stir among the public. In the video, the victim, Henry Novak, called out for help from the police officers present, saying that he had been stabbed. He also said I cant breathe up to 9 times.
However, the perpetrator, Digva, fabricated a lie on the spot, claiming to be a victim of racial violence. According to the police footage from the incident, Digva lied to the police, claiming that Novak had pulled off his headscarf and grabbed his hair, thereby committing a racial attack. But all of his claims were completely fabricated.
Police believed the murderers lies and handcuffed the victim after she suffered a fatal stab wound. Police video screenshot
Due to this situation, the police actually ordered the victim to get up and put on handcuffs. They even questioned him, saying, Young man, you might not be injured after all.
On June 2nd, British Prime Minister Sturmer said that the footage from the law enforcement operation was extremely disturbing. The police must provide explanations for any doubts regarding how the case was handled.
Stamer emphasized that it is necessary to determine how false accusations of racial discrimination can interfere with the polices on-site decisions.
The far-right leader of the UK Reform Party, Farage, questioned the case, claiming it confirmed the dual system of policing in the UK. This has caused strong dissatisfaction among the public. Sturgeon denied this, stating that the families of the victims wanted to de-escalate tensions and avoid further conflicts. Therefore, it is appropriate to respect their demands.
In this case, the murder weapon also attracted attention in British public opinion. Under Britains current knife control laws, Sikhs who wear ceremonial daggers for religious purposes can be exempted from regulation. However, the exemption rule was controversial in the Novak case.
Kirban is a short dagger, one of the five sacred objects that Sikhs carry with them. Other sacred objects include hairpins and wooden combs. Traditional Kirbans are small in size, with blades that often have a curved shape. British law allows people to possess Kirbans for religious ceremonies, sports activities, or as historical collectibles. However, like all cutting instruments, if used illegally, Kirban is considered an offensive weapon.
Sikhs carry their Kebabs with them. The Guardian
At the time of the incident, the perpetrator, Digva, carried two ritual weapons with him. He claimed that both weapons were religious relics called Keban. One of the weapons was smaller, while the other was a long knife (approximately 21 centimeters in length). The judge classified these weapons as large Sikh knives.
The Sikh community in the UK has unanimously condemned this murder. However, they argue that the knife used by Digwaa was not a compliant Kebab. The Sikh News Association in the UK has announced plans to carry out special efforts to inform all Sikh followers in the UK about the proper use of Kebabs and their related responsibilities.
The UK Reform Party called for the complete ban on Kebens actions. Reform Party leader Nigel Farage said that the victims were handcuffed while dying, and that the weight of fabricated racial accusations imposed by the perpetrator was greater than the lives of the injured people. This highlights the hierarchical social problems in Britain. He also praised the Novak family for maintaining composure and dignity in the face of tragedy.
Farage accused the police of believing the murderers lies before the victim was about to die. BBC
British Deputy Home Secretary Fipple said in the House of Commons: This tragedy is not an accident; its root lies in the current police policy provisions.
He refers to the UKs current Police Anti-Racial Commitment. The original purpose of this policy was to restore trust between minorities and the police, and to eliminate racial injustices in law enforcement. The provisions require police officers to actively resist all forms of racial discrimination and to standardize the process of law enforcement.
Fipple criticized that the focus on documents has led to a distortion of reality. This has resulted in attempts to eliminate the differences in arrest rates among different groups, thereby forcing the police to adjust arrest targets based on arbitrary assumptions about actual crime rates.
British Home Secretary Sheeba Maahmood stated that there is no such phenomenon of hierarchical law enforcement in the UK, and society absolutely does not allow such practices. She noted that British police officers make quick decisions under complex and emergency situations all year round. Most of their actions are compliant with regulations. Any individual mistakes can be investigated and corrected according to the law. Its not appropriate to generalize from individual cases.
She revealed that after this case began to unfold, dangerous undercurrents emerged. She spoke in the House of Commons, stating that one police officer had been mistaken for someone else, and she had received consecutive death threats. As a result, she was forced to move her entire family away from their original residence in order to seek safety.
Hampshire Police reported that three of the four officers involved were on duty, and one of them has voluntarily resigned. The Independent Monitoring Unit of the police has determined that all the officers involved are currently cooperating with the investigation as witnesses. No coercive measures have been taken at this stage.
Several Sikh organizations also emphasized that individual misconduct cannot represent the entire Sikh community. This case is simply the act of one person. These Sikh organizations also warned that since the incident, Sikhs have been subjected to unjustified insults.
It was also stated by Sikh groups that Sikhs in England are aware of the legal responsibilities associated with wearing Kebabs. Once a Kebab is drawn out and used to cause harm, the religious exemption becomes invalid, and it is no longer considered a ritual object.
The 2025 UK Sikh Community Survey released in January this year showed that 49% of the surveyed Sikhs are concerned about the continued rise of anti-Sikh sentiments.
Labour MP Tannemjiit Singh Dessie said that Novaks tragic fate is truly regrettable. Forces like the Reform Party are using this incident to target all Sikhs. They exploit religious symbols to spread their propaganda, essentially trying to shift blame and avoid dealing with the pain caused by this tragedy. The knives used in the attack are not standard ceremonial weapons. Sikhs in the UK are deeply ashamed and saddened by this tragedy. It is essential that authorities provide protection for the Sikh community from unjust online harassment and discrimination.
