The grandmother of the perpetrator who fatally stabbed Henry Nowak in Southampton expressed her distress over the shattered lives of both families. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 18-year-old Nowak in a vicious stabbing incident. Digwa, a Sikh Briton, stabbed the teen multiple times without provocation and alleged racial abuse by Nowak, who was struggling for breath and trying to communicate his injuries to the authorities.
In the aftermath of far-right disturbances in Southampton exploiting Nowak’s death, Digwa’s grandmother disclosed that family members are contemplating leaving their residence. Bimla Kaur, 75, residing in Southampton, conveyed her sorrow over the situation that has devastated two families. Despite supporting Digwa, the family is deeply pained by his actions.
Digwa’s father and brother faced threats following his conviction, prompting them to seek refuge in a secure location. Uncertainty looms over their return to the family home due to safety concerns and the looming threat of further attacks. The entire family, deeply rooted in Southampton but now living in fear, is on edge due to receiving menacing messages.
The tragic incident unfolded as Nowak encountered Digwa while walking home one evening. Nowak noticed a knife carried by Digwa, who was following south along Belmont Road. The encounter escalated when Digwa, a member of the Nihang Sikh order, stabbed Nowak multiple times after an altercation over a phone. Subsequently, police were summoned to the scene by Digwa’s brother, who falsely claimed a racial attack without mentioning the use of weapons.