New details have emerged regarding the first recorded confession of Vickrum Digwa, who admitted to the murder of teenager Henry Nowak in Southampton. Within 36 hours of the fatal stabbing, Digwa was captured on police recording equipment in the back of a police van, telling his brother, Gurpreet, that he had stabbed Nowak multiple times. The brothers were speaking in Punjabi as they were transported between a police station and a court for a custody extension hearing on 5 December 2025.
Previously, Digwa had maintained a different account to both his family and officers at the crime scene, claiming he had been racially attacked and had only pushed and punched the student in self-defence. However, a transcript of the brothers' exchanges, obtained by the BBC from the Crown Prosecution Service and referred to during Digwa's murder trial, reveals the true nature of his admission. During the conversation, Gurpreet asked his brother, "What did you do? Did you even do anything?" to which Digwa, pointing to his shoulder, replied: "One here, towards the face and one on the chest."
The transcript further details Gurpreet's reaction, telling his 23-year-old brother, "You should not have done it." Digwa accepted responsibility, stating it was his fault or mistake. Gurpreet repeatedly suggested his brother should have "just pushed" or "hit him or beaten him up" instead, asking, "Why did you use the kirpan?" Digwa responded, "I am a fool."
The characterisation of the 8-inch (21cm) murder weapon as a 'kirpan' has been a point of contention. Many Sikhs argue that a kirpan is a small, typically curved ceremonial blade, worn as an article of faith to symbolise a duty to uphold justice and protect others. While practising Sikhs are legally permitted to carry such a blade for religious reasons, any blade used in an act of violence is unequivocally treated as an offensive weapon under UK law.
The recording also captures Gurpreet advising his brother on how to describe the knife, suggesting he should use the term 'Dui' or 'Dorri', referring to a smaller, ceremonial weapon worn around the neck. Digwa had been wearing a small, concealed kirpan, but used a second, much larger dagger for the attack, carried in a cross-body sheath consistent with the Nihang warrior order, to which he belongs. Sikh leaders have strongly condemned Digwa's actions and his "false characterisation" of the murder weapon, expressing concern over a subsequent backlash against the community.
Despite Digwa admitting to the stabbing three times during the journey, Gurpreet continued to encourage the idea of self-defence and suggested his brother should have fled the scene. When Digwa expressed concerns about potential CCTV footage, Gurpreet urged him to focus on prayer instead. Both brothers prayed, appealing to God for protection, with Gurpreet exclaiming, "Where have I ended up, Maharaj?"