Killer Vickrum Digwa Threatened Sikh Worshipper at Gurdwara Months Before Fatal Attack: Report

Vickrum Digwa, who was recently sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, allegedly threatened a Sikh worshipper at a Southampton gurdwara months before the fatal stabbing. Digwa, 23, used a large dagger and weapons associated with the Nihang Sikh tradition during the attack in December 2025. His defense that he was racially abused by Nowak was rejected by the court.

A worshipper, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Times that Digwa confronted him in May 2025 at Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib in Southampton. Digwa allegedly grabbed his arm and tried to draw him outside for a discussion, but elders intervened. The worshipper described Digwa's behavior as interrogative, questioning if individuals were 'good enough' to be in the gurdwara.

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It was almost like he was interrogating you to see if you were good enough to be within the gurdwara.

According to the worshipper, gurdwara leaders had previously raised concerns about Digwa's conduct with his parents, who reportedly defended their son. These allegations have not been independently verified. The account adds to unease within Southampton's Sikh community, with several worshippers finding Digwa's presence intimidating and his behavior contrary to Sikh values.

Digwa, who belongs to the Nihang order, had previously attended another Southampton gurdwara but was reportedly barred from Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar in 2023 due to aggressive behavior. The allegations against Digwa have not been tested in court. Some elders reportedly expressed concern about him carrying traditional Nihang weapons in public. Digwa was born in Southampton in 2003.

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I was in the same scenario, but I managed to get out of it. Henry couldn't.