Street protests have erupted over the legal right of Sikhs to carry sabers in public following the conviction of British-born Sikh Vikram Singh Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Southampton University student Henry Novak.Around 40 members of protest group Southampton Patriots gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Thursday, demanding accountability over the police response to a fatal stabbing in December 2025. Authorities monitored the demonstration, which featured music and was monitored by a police drone.The case has also gained traction among right-wing activists and political groups.UKIP leader and Turning Point UK COO, Nick Marcel Tenconi, joined calls for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to release bodycam footage from the incident, as demands for accountability over the police response continue to grow.

Police apologize after handcuffing victim

The controversy stems from the actions of the police officers who responded to the stabbing. During the murder trial, jurors heard that DeGwa allegedly misled officers by claiming he was the victim of a racist attack.As a result, officers initially treated Henry Novak as a suspect and placed him in handcuffs, despite the teen suffering multiple stab wounds.Deputy Chief Constable Robert France later apologized, saying he was “genuinely sorry” that Henry had been arrested and handcuffed shortly before he became unconscious.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that an investigation into Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s handling of the incident is ongoing.

Murder trial rejects self-defense claim

Novak, a first-year university student from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was walking back to his accommodation after a night out with football teammates when he encountered DeGwa.The 23-year-old used a 21cm ceremonial kirpan, a blade held by some Sikhs as an article of faith, during the attack. Digwa claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging Novak was drunk, racially abused him and removed his turban.However, prosecutors argued that the account was a fabricated “evil lie” designed to avoid responsibility. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Novak’s alcohol level was below the legal drunk-driving limit when he died. The jury unanimously found Digva guilty of murder.Digwa’s mother was also convicted of assisting an offender after helping to remove the weapon after the attack.

Saber exemption becomes political issue

The case has since fueled calls for changes to Britain’s knife laws, particularly the legal exemptions that allow Sikhs to carry kirpans in public for religious reasons.Reform UK chairman Zia Yousaf said the party would end the exemption if it came to power, arguing that no member of the public should be allowed to carry bladed weapons.Yusuf on social media platformThe party has also proposed expanding stop and search powers as part of a wider strategy to tackle knife crime.The proposal has been criticized by politicians and representatives of the Sikh community, who argue that the actions of any one individual should not be used to restrict a long-standing religious practice.Labor MP Sarah Coombs rejected calls for a ban, saying it would unfairly stigmatize the entire religious community.He said, “Both the Tories and Reform are now saying that sabers should be banned. This is completely wrong.”