Murder conviction sparks debate on ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs

Jury in case of Henry Nowak’s stabbing told killer carried small kirpan as well as larger knife

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The conviction of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sparked renewed discussion about kirpans, the ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith.

The prosecution told the jury at Southampton crown court that while Digwa was wearing a small kirpan under his clothing around his neck, which met his religious obligation, he also chose to carry the much larger knife.