A Sikh man has been detained in Birmingham on Friday for carrying a kirpan, despite having the legal right to carry the religious dagger, according to a report by the Metro
The man reportedly told the police officer, “I’m a Sikh. I can carry this if I want to.” A Kirpan is part of a religious commandment in which Sikhs must wear five articles of faith at all times.
However, the officer allegedly accused him of being aggressive and called for back-up from other officers.
The PTI reported that the incident has been condemned by the British Sikh Council after being posted on a British-Punjabi Facebook group.
The group said, “If he’s a practicing Sikh then there shouldn’t be an issue.” Police have been criticised for “not knowing the law” after the footage emerged of the man being confronted over his ceremonial knife, the report said.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “Police on patrol in Birmingham city centre spoke to a man who was acting aggressively just before 6:30pm on Monday August 5 in Dale End. He was advised regarding his behaviour and no further action was taken.”
