‘No justice, no peace’: Protests erupt in UK after British-born Sikh Vikram Singh convicted of Henry Novak murder

The conviction of British-born Sikh Vickrum Singh Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Southampton University student Henry Nowak sparked street protests over the legal right of Sikhs to carry gram pans in public.Around 40 members of protest group Southampton Patriots gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Thursday to demand accountability for the police response to a fatal stabbing in December 2025. The demonstration, which featured music, was monitored by police and monitored by police drones.The case has also attracted attention from right-wing activists and political groups.Nick Marcel Tenconi, leader of UK Independence Party and chief operating officer of Turning Point UK, called on Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police to release body camera footage from the incident as demands for accountability grow over the police response.

Police apologize after victim is handcuffed

The controversy stems from the conduct of police officers responding to the stabbing scene. During his murder trial, jurors heard Digueva misled police by claiming he was the victim of a racist attack.So despite Henry Nowak suffering from multiple stab wounds, police initially considered him a suspect and placed him in handcuffs.Deputy Sheriff Robert France later apologized, saying he was “very sorry” that Henry was arrested and handcuffed shortly before losing consciousness.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that an investigation into Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police’s handling of the incident was still ongoing.

Murder trial rejects self-defense claim

Novak, a first-year college student from Chalford Pad, Essex, was walking back to his accommodation after a night out with football teammates when he met Digwa.The 23-year-old used a 21cm ceremonial knife, a blade carried by some Sikhs as an item of faith, during the attack. Digueva claimed he acted in self-defence, claiming Nowak was drunk, racially abused him and removed his turban.However, prosecutors dismissed the claim as an “evil lie” fabricated to avoid responsibility. Evidence presented during the trial showed Nowak’s alcohol level was below the legal drink-driving limit at the time of his death. The jury unanimously found Digueva guilty of murder.Digwa’s mother, who helped remove the weapon after the attack, was also convicted of assisting an offender.

Kilpan exemption becomes political hot button

The case has sparked calls for changes to Britain’s knife laws, specifically a legal exemption allowing Sikhs to carry kpan knives in public for religious reasons.Reform Party UK leader Zia Yusuf said the exemption would be scrapped if the party came to power, arguing that no member of the public should be allowed to carry bladed weapons.“I don’t care what religion you are. Under a reform government, no one except law enforcement officers can carry deadly weapons,” Youssef wrote on social media platform X.The party has also proposed extending stop-and-search powers as part of a wider strategy to tackle knife crime.The proposal drew criticism from politicians and representatives of the Sikh community, who argued that the actions of a single individual should not be used to restrict long-standing religious practices.Labor MP Sarah Coombs rejected calls for a ban, saying it would unfairly insult the entire faith community.“Both the Conservatives and the Reform Party are now saying kirpan should be banned. That’s completely wrong,” she said.