In December 2025, 18-year-old student Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed five times by Vickrum Digwa, who used an eight-inch blade and successfully persuaded the court it was a kirpan—a Sikh article of faith legally permitted to be carried for religious purposes. While police arrived at the scene, bodycam footage showed officers handcuffing the dying teenager as Digwa falsely accused him of racial abuse, with one attending officer telling Nowak, “I don’t think you have, mate,” before he died. The case has now triggered a political debate over knife laws, religious exemptions, and police conduct.
Home Secretary Weighs Knife Law Changes
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told ITV News that she has not “taken any options off the table” and is considering changing knife laws in response to Henry Nowak’s murder. Mahmood confirmed she has engaged directly with the Nowak family and stated she wants to balance religious expression with the demands of criminal law. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch told ITV News that changing the law is “reasonable,” arguing that no religion includes a freedom to murder and that loopholes should not be exploited to commit crimes.
Did You Know? Vickrum Digwa is a member of the Sikh Nihang order, who often carry a larger kirpan alongside a smaller, blunt, curved blade typically worn discreetly under clothing by most Sikhs.
Family Demands Clearer Definition for the Kirpan
Henry Nowak’s family is calling on the government to better define the kirpan in law, potentially limiting its size or shape. Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, told ITV that his son “was not a divisive person.” Gurmel Singh, CEO of the National Sikh Museum, met with Mark Nowak to learn about the kirpan and his campaign to better define it.
Ministers commission independent review into police conduct
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commissioned an independent review of the case, led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk, to examine whether there were any missed opportunities to intervene. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced in July that two officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct regarding the police response, with the full watchdog investigation expected to conclude early next year. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Chief Constable Alexis Boon stated to ITV that the force failed Henry in his final moments, while Kemi Badenoch alleged that police forces and watchdogs covered up officers’ responses.
Court increases killer minimum sentence after appeal
Legal proceedings surrounding the murder have seen subsequent adjustments to sentences and appeals. Vickrum Digwa appealed his original 21-year minimum life term, labeling it manifestly excessive, but saw his minimum sentence increased to 25 years. Meanwhile, Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, was jailed for three years in July for removing the murder weapon from the crime scene before abandoning her appeal.
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. I’ve met the Nowaks. They are a brave family, locked in a fight for justice when they should be mourning their son. Henry’s murderer deserves the maximum sentence he can get, so news that it has increased to 25 years is… https://t.co/hVRIPUDmWk
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapon was used in the murder of Henry Nowak?
Vickrum Digwa used an eight-inch blade, which he successfully persuaded the court was a kirpan associated with the Sikh faith.
Who is leading the independent review into the case?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commissioned an independent review of the case, led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk.
What is the status of the police conduct investigation?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct announced an investigation into two officers for potential gross misconduct, with the inquiry expected to conclude early next year.
How should lawmakers balance the protection of religious freedoms with the enforcement of strict criminal laws on knife possession?
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