The weapon carried by Vickrum Digwa on the night hemurdered University of Southampton student Henry Nowakhas become a central focus of the case, raising questions about Sikh religious blades, UK knife laws, and the events that led to the 18-year-old's death.
During the trial at Southampton Crown Court, jurors heard detailed evidence about the large bladed weapon Digwa carried openly through Southampton before fatally stabbing Nowak. The case has since sparked debate within Sikh communities, among politicians and across social media.
The court heard that Digwa wascarrying a 21 cm (8-inch) bladed weapondescribed as a large Sikh dagger, or shastar, when he encountered Henry Nowak in Southampton on 3 December 2025.
The blade was significantly larger than a traditional kirpan, the ceremonial article of faith carried by initiated Sikhs. While Digwa claimed the weapon was part of his religious practice, Sikh organisations later argued it should not be confused with a standard kirpan, which is typically much smaller and symbolic.
Evidence showed Digwa was also wearing a separate smaller kirpan around his neck beneath his clothing. Prosecutors argued there was no religious necessity for the larger weapon, while prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg KC later described Digwa as 'weapons-obsessed.'
The jury ultimately rejected any suggestion that the stabbing was justified or connected to religious practice.
Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old first-year finance and accountancy student, was walking home after a night out with university football teammates when he encountered Digwa near Belmont Road in Portswood.
Jurors watchedSnapchat footage recorded by Nowak shortly before the attack. After noticing the visible blade, he jokingly called Digwa a 'bad man.'
'I am a bad man,' Digwa replied.
Moments later, the situation turned deadly.
Source: International Business Times UK
