Family Devastated as Killer’s Grandmother Breaks Silence
The grandmother of Vickrum Digwa, convicted of student Henry Nowak’s murder, has spoken publicly for the first time, describing the case as having “destroyed two families.” The brutal killing of Nowak, a case that ignited widespread public anger and protests, saw Digwa, 23, sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday. Digwa repeatedly stabbed Nowak before falsely claiming to police that he had been the victim of a racist attack.
Fear of Retaliation Grips Family
Bimla Kaur, 75, Digwa’s grandmother, revealed that her family is living in fear of revenge attacks. Following the widespread disorder that accompanied protests in Southampton, some relatives have been forced to go into hiding. Kaur also defended Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, who faces accusations of aiding in the concealment of the murder weapon, asserting that she acted as “any mum would do.”
Speaking from her Southampton home, Mrs. Kaur stated, “This whole case has destroyed two families: Henry’s and mine. We are in a hard situation because we still have to support him [Digwa] but at the same time our hearts are broken and I’m very sorry for what’s happened.”
Contradiction of Faith and Actions
Describing her grandson as a “difficult boy,” Mrs. Kaur indicated that the family has been left shattered, emphasizing that Digwa’s actions were contrary to their deeply held beliefs. Digwa was reportedly part of the Nihang Sikh order, an ancient martial tradition that traditionally uses swords and other weapons in religious practices.
“These weapons are not meant to be used on the innocent, so something has gone wrong. He’s done a very bad thing – there’s no argument over that,” Mrs. Kaur commented. While expressing pride in her family’s Sikh heritage and their connection to the Nihang order, she acknowledged that Digwa had betrayed that tradition.
The Nihangs are a historic Sikh martial order known for their distinctive blue robes, traditional weaponry, and their practice of Gatka, a form of armed combat training. Digwa was frequently observed participating in Gatka demonstrations and instructing Sikh youth at a local gurdwara near his Southampton residence.
“Most of the men in this family are Nihangs and so is Vickrum. As a Nihang, Vickrum was devoted to that way of life. It meant everything to him. It’s an important part of our faith and it’s something that I’m proud of,” Mrs. Kaur shared. She reiterated, however, “But these weapons are not meant to be used on the innocent.”
Family Members in Hiding, Wider Community Fears Attacks
Mrs. Kaur confirmed that Digwa’s father, Moga Singh, and brother, Gurpreet Singh, have sought refuge elsewhere after their home was targeted following the conviction. “It’s not safe for them to be in their home because it was targeted the other night and it’s only a matter of time before it is attacked again. Both Moga and Gurpreet are with relatives in a safe place and I’m not sure if they’ll ever return,” she explained.
The extended family is also living under a cloud of fear, with reports of threats and concerns about potential attacks. “We’re all living in fear because we’ve had threats and are worried that we might also get attacked. But we’ve been in this city a long time and we don’t have anywhere else to go,” she added.
Mother Facing Charges, Grandmother Defends Her Actions
Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, 52, is currently in custody awaiting sentencing for assisting an offender, having allegedly helped remove the weapon from the crime scene. Her mother-in-law defended her actions: “I’ve been to see her in prison and she’s doing the best she can. She only did what any mother would have done, which is to protect her child. And now she’s going to be punished for this.” Mrs. Kaur praised her daughter-in-law, stating, “Kiran has done a good job raising those two boys and was very supportive of them becoming Nihangs. It’s a huge honour for our family.”
Sentencing and Court Revelations
Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years. Judge William Mousley KC remarked that Digwa had brought disgrace upon his family and faith. The court heard that Digwa was “weapons obsessed” and had possessed numerous blades, including illegal weapons, alongside legally permitted religious ceremonial items.
Moga Singh and Gurpreet Singh, Digwa’s father and brother, have also been charged in connection with the possession of multiple weapons, including knives, a baton, knuckledusters, and swords. A business associated with the family in Southampton has reportedly closed temporarily in the wake of the trial’s aftermath.
