Nowak killer’s first recorded confession revealed

First Confession of Nowak Killer Unveiled

Nowak killer s first recorded confession - On 3 December 2025, Vickrum Digwa was implicated in the death of Henry Nowak, a Southampton university student. Just 36 hours after the fatal incident, Digwa was captured on audio in a police van, confessing to his brother Gurpreet during a journey to a court for a custody extension hearing on 5 December 2025. The brothers conversed in Punjabi, revealing their guilt and offering prayers for divine protection following their arrests.

Previously, Digwa had misled his family and police at the crime scene, claiming he had been "racially attacked" and had only "pushed" and "punched" Nowak in self-defense. A transcript shared with the BBC by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) now exposes his true account. The document, translated from Punjabi to English, includes exchanges between the brothers that were referenced during Digwa's trial.

"What did you do? Did you even do anything?" Gurpreet asked. Digwa pointed to his shoulder and responded: "One here, towards the face and one on the chest." The transcript indicates that Gurpreet advised his brother to "just push" or "hit him or beat him up" instead of using the knife. When Gurpreet inquired, "Why did you use the kirpan?" Digwa replied with humility: "I am a fool."

Weapon Debate Sparks Controversy

Sikhs have challenged the term "kirpan" to describe the 8-inch blade used in the attack. While a kirpan is traditionally a small, curved ceremonial dagger worn as a religious symbol, Digwa employed a second, larger dagger. This weapon, carried in a cross-body sheath over his clothing, aligns with the Nihang warrior order's practices.

"Which Shastar did you use?" Gurpreet questioned. Digwa answered: "Shura - knife." Gurpreet insisted: "You should have said Dui (your other one)." They revisited the terminology multiple times. Gurpreet urged: "Say – Dorri [sic] (one that is worn around the neck, the religious ceremonial small weapon)." Digwa replied: "Will check with the solicitor."

Despite his brother's repeated admissions of stabbing Nowak, Gurpreet consistently pushed for self-defense claims. He also suggested Digwa should have fled the scene. When Digwa worried about CCTV footage, Gurpreet redirected him to focus on prayer. Digwa agreed, reciting bani, the sacred hymns of the Sikh Gurus.

"Where have I ended up, Maharaj?" Gurpreet exclaimed, turning to Waheguru, the Sikh name for God. He then prayed for approximately two-and-a-half minutes, concluding with: "We have..."

Sikh leaders have criticized Digwa's portrayal of the weapon, arguing it fueled public perception against their community. The case has intensified debates about the symbolic significance of kirpan and its role in violent acts. Police actions during Nowak's arrest, including the handcuffing as he lay dying, have drawn significant public attention.