Nigel Farage’s call for “pure cold rage” following the murder of Henry Nowak by a Sikh man risks “inspiring fear” within minority communities, a religious expert has warned.
Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, a Professor of Sikh Studies at the University of Birmingham, criticised political leaders for framing the case as an example of two-tier policing, stating such suggestions “can deepen mistrust and foster division”.
The comments follow the killing of 18-year-old Mr Nowak by Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed him and then falsely accused the victim of being drunk and launching a racist attack.
Professor Jhutti-Johal said that Digwa’s post-assault deception was “un-Sikh”.
Digwa’s relatives have since apologised to Mr Nowak’s family and for bringing the Sikh community into “disrepute”.
Mr Nowak’s family themselves highlighted a stark disparity in police treatment, noting their loved one was handcuffed and disbelieved as he lay dying, while his killer was “afforded decency” and “believed”.
They said: “The contrast is unbearable.”
Reform UK leader Mr Farage said Mr Nowak’s family “have responded to this in just the most extraordinarily dignified way”.
In a video statement, he added: “But I suggest the rest of us respond to this with pure cold rage.”
The political leader said Mr Nowak was “actually treated in a way that meant an accusation of a racial slur was treated more seriously than an act of murder”, as he claimed the case and reaction to it was “proof, if ever there was any, that we are living in a two-tier culture in this country where the rights and privileges of white people matter less than those of ethnic minorities”.
Mr Nowak’s family have called for a full investigation into the officers’ actions at the scene and action on knife crime, but they have insisted they “do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension”.
Prof Jhutti-Johal told the Press Association: “I think Farage’s comments will inspire fear in all minority communities, not just the Sikh community.”
She added: “I believe it is a mistake for political leaders to use this case as proof of systemic bias, of two-tiered policing, or to frame it as an example of ‘us versus them’.
“Suggesting that communities are being treated differently by the police, without clear evidence, can deepen mistrust and foster division between groups that should be working together.”
She called on political figures to “lead responsibly and avoid language that pits communities against one another”.
Prof Jhutti-Johal added: “The focus should remain on truth, accountability, and justice for all, rather than on narratives that create fear, resentment, and division.”
Meanwhile a group of Sikh MPs have expressed their solidarity with Mr Nowak’s family following the “senseless” killing.
Pleading for calm among the public, they wrote: “At a time when emotions are understandably raw, we urge people not to allow the actions of one murderer to divide communities or fuel hostility towards innocent people.
“The Sikh community shares the grief, shock, and anger felt across the country.
“We mourn Henry Novak, stand with his family, and support the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability.”
Reform UK and Restore Britain are politicising pain and using the Sikh community as a “scapegoat” following the murder of Mr Nowak, a Labour MP has said.
Following the murder, Reform and Restore have called for the Kirpan – a small ceremonial knife carried by some practising Sikhs for religious purposes – to be banned.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, accused them of trying to “politicise people’s pain”, insisting the kirpan was not used in the attack.
While Digwa was wearing the kirpan, which is usually worn under clothing, he had a second blade, described by the trial judge as “a large Sikh dagger”, which was used as the murder weapon.
Addressing the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Dhesi said he was “deeply saddened by the murder of Henry Nowak”.
He continued: “What’s very galling is that the likes of Reform, Restore, and the far-right decided to politicise people’s pain, attacking the Sikh community for wearing the kirpan and wanting it banned, even though the kirpan was not used in this violent attack.
“And they’ve decided to scapegoat and throw under the bus an entire community based on the actions of one violent murderer.”
Mr Dhesi, who was the first MP to wear the turban in the Commons, added: “Hundreds of thousands of Sikh soldiers bravely fought alongside British soldiers during both world wars, tens of thousands made the ultimate sacrifice proudly wearing their turban and their kirpan.
“So, what reassurances can the Home Secretary give to the Sikh community, which is both horrified and ashamed at this brutal murder? And they are fearful of their right to freely and peacefully practice their faith.”
Labour MP Jas Athwal (Ilford South) also accused some MPs of “using the horrific incident as political capital, spreading disinformation for their own gain”.
Shabana Mahmood said: “Religious freedom is a very important principle that this Government respects,” adding: “The responsibility for this murder rests with the murderer.”
The Liberal Democrats also accused Nigel Farage of “using tragedy to divide British communities” in the wake of the attack.