The case of murder of 18 year old student Henry Novak remains a topic of discussion in Britain. The police bodycam video that surfaced in this case has shocked people. In the video, Henry is seen repeatedly saying, I can’t breathe, I have been stabbed, but the police do not believe him and handcuff him.
The incident took place in Southampton, England in December. Recently, 23 year old Vikram Digva has been sentenced to life imprisonment in this case. The court has said that he will remain in jail for at least 21 years. After the sentencing, police released bodycam video with the permission of Henry’s family.
What is the whole matter?
In the video, Henry is seen lying seriously injured on the roadside. He tells the police that he has been stabbed and cannot breathe. Despite this, a police officer tells him, I don’t think you have been stabbed. Sikh youth Vikram Digwa was also present there at the time of the incident. He told the police that he was the victim of a racial attack. Vikram claimed that Henry had pulled off his turban and pulled his hair.
The police initially believed what he said. But later it was proved in the court that Digva had lied. The investigation revealed that Henry, who was a first-year student at the University of Southampton, was out with his friends when he was attacked.
Even CPR could not save the life of the young man
The police first handcuffed Henry and asked for his arrest. When officers found him with serious stab wounds, they removed the handcuffs and began CPR to save him. However his life could not be saved.
Judge William Mousley said he found no evidence that Henry had made any racial comments. He said that the allegation of racism was made only by Digva. Henry’s father Mark Novak said this issue is not about race or religion. He appealed to the people not to use his son’s death to spread hatred.
People’s anger erupted over the incident
Hundreds of people protested in Southampton after the video surfaced. Many people were seen raising slogans of I can’t breathe. Clashes also took place between protesters and police at some places. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was saddened to see the video and there should be an investigation into how allegations of racism influenced police actions.
Police have apologized to Henry’s family and acknowledged that Digwa’s false claims misled officers. Digva’s mother Kiran Kaur has been found guilty of helping in hiding the weapon used in the murder. His sentence will be pronounced on July 17.
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