Britain and the Sikhs: The brutal murder of Henry Nowak

By Anup Singh Choudry | OPINION |

The tragic death of Henry Nowak at the hands of Vikram Digwa was a grave criminal act that was appropriately prosecuted and punished under British law. Mr Digwa was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. While it has been widely reported that he was wearing a kirpan, one of the articles of the Sikh faith, the fatal injuries were inflicted with a Pesh Kabz, a Persian-style dagger, and not with a kirpan.

It is therefore important that this isolated and reprehensible crime is not used to cast unwarranted suspicion upon an entire faith community or its religious practices.

Sikhs have been an integral part of Britain’s military, social, and economic fabric for more than two centuries. Throughout this period, the Five Articles of Faith, including the kirpan, have coexisted peacefully within British society and have never posed a threat to public order or national cohesion.

The contribution of Sikh soldiers to Britain is both profound and well documented. Sikhs formed a vital component of the British armed forces during both the First and Second World Wars, serving with extraordinary courage and distinction. Their sacrifice has been recognised by generations of British leaders. Sir Winston Churchill, who served alongside Sikh soldiers, spoke admiringly of their bravery and loyalty.

SEE ALSO: Explainer: From Henry Nowak’s murder to the debate over the kirpan

His Majesty King Charles III has likewise paid tribute to the Sikh community’s enduring contribution to the United Kingdom. Speaking at a Vaisakhi reception in 2009, then as Prince of Wales, he acknowledged the appalling conditions endured by Sikh troops during both World Wars and expressed Britain’s immense debt of gratitude for their courage and sacrifice. Over many years, His Majesty has consistently praised the Sikh community for its commitment to public service, hard work, inclusivity, and the values taught by Guru Nanak: compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, mutual respect, tolerance, and peace.

Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion and is followed by over 30 million people across the globe. It would be both unjust and counterproductive to make an entire faith community a scapegoat for the criminal actions of a single individual simply because he happened to be a Sikh. Equally, the lawful wearing of the kirpan—a practice protected under British law and long accommodated within British society—should not be politicised in a manner that risks undermining community cohesion and religious freedom.

The broader context of knife crime in England and Wales is also relevant. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 49,151 knife-enabled offences were recorded in the year ending December 2025, while around 172 people were killed with a knife or sharp instrument during the same period. The available data on identified offenders indicates that approximately 67% were White, 22% Black, 7% Asian, and 4% from other or unknown ethnic backgrounds. These figures demonstrate that knife crime is a complex societal issue that transcends race, religion, and culture. It should therefore be addressed through evidence-based policy and effective law enforcement rather than through the stigmatisation of any particular community.

Britain’s Sikhs have earned a reputation for loyalty, service, and constructive engagement with society. Their record over two centuries speaks for itself. Public discourse surrounding this tragic case should reflect that history and avoid drawing conclusions that unfairly implicate an entire faith community for the actions of one individual.

Join the conversation on this story on Asia Samachar’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Justice (Retd) Anup Singh Choudry is a Sikh writer and a retired High Court Judge who served in Uganda