Tag: Henry

Sikh group demands public inquiry A Sikh organisation has asked the government to launch a public inquiry into what it calls serious failures linked to the death of 18 year old student Henry Nowak. The group says the case has raised public confusion and harmed community relations. Incident details in Southampton Henry Nowak was killed in Southampton in December 2025. The attacker, 23 year old Vickrum Digwa, used a knife during the incident. Digwa later said he carried one of the blades as part of his Sikh religious practice. Concerns raised by Sikh Federation Dabinderjit Singh, who leads political engagement at the Sikh Federation, has written to senior officials including the Home Secretary, Justice Secretary, and Attorney General. He argues that incorrect claims about the weapon have caused serious harm to how Sikhs are viewed in public debate. He also attended a march in London where the issue was highlighted. Bodycam footage and inquest plans Police bodycam footage released with family permission shows Henry Nowak repeatedly saying he could not breathe while injured and in handcuffs after being stabbed. Authorities have confirmed that a jury inquest will examine the wider circumstances next year. Legal context around ceremonial blades Current law allows practising Sikhs to carry a small ceremonial blade called a kirpan when it is kept close to the body for religious reasons. However, using any blade in violence makes it illegal. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 also recognises religious and cultural items such as ceremonial blades worn in national dress. This includes traditional Scottish dress items. If such an item is used in an attack, it becomes an offensive weapon under the law. Dispute over the weapon used Reports confirm Digwa carried two blades. One was described as a small kirpan. The second blade was used in the fatal attack. The Sikh Federation and the Network of Sikh Organisations argue that the second blade was not a kirpan. They describe it as a Persian style blade linked to a warrior tradition within the Nihang community. The Crown Prosecution Service maintains that Digwa chose to carry both blades and used one of them in the attack. The trial judge agreed with this view during the case.
Crime and JusticeNews

Inquiry call grows over Henry Nowak death in Southampton case

Sikh group demands public inquiry A Sikh organisation has asked the government…

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