The British Sikh Federation, a collective of Sikh organisations as well as communities across the United Kingdom (UK), has expressed its deepest condolences for the tragic death of Henry Nowak. Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old British university student, died from his injuries after being stabbed by a Sikh man last December ’25.
As reported, this incident doesn’t align with the Sikh faith. Also, this is not aligned with the Sikh community or its principles. The statement issued on Friday, 22 May ’26, reads, adding that ‘Sikh teachings are founded on compassion, justice, humility, and responsibility as well as service to humanity’.
This statement added that ‘they respectfully urge everyone to follow the judicial process in proceeding fairly, without prejudice.’ Additionally, they urged everyone to refrain from making broad assumptions or judgements. That’s about the Sikh faith or Sikh religious practices, based on an individual case.’
Concluding the statement, the Sikh Federation said that the Sikh community remains peaceful and well-integrated. It’s also a deeply valued part of British society. ‘ It called on members to remain united and stay true to core values. Additionally, the statement continued to reject any form of division or negativity. The statement concluded with the words, ‘Together, we move forward.’
Henry Nowak’s tragic death has sparked outrage across certain social media outlets. The uproar has been going on since last week due to the absurdity of the circumstances surrounding the case. Details were presented during the ongoing murder trial at Southampton Crown Court. Late Nowak is a first-year accounting student, besides being a finance student. Nowak was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa during a violent altercation in Southampton’s Portswood district on Thursday, 3 December ’25. Prosecutors stated that Digwa used an 8-inch Sikh ceremonial knife. It is known as a kirpan or shastar.
After being stabbed, Nowak reportedly attempted to flee while he was bleeding heavily. Prosecutors said that Digwa had aggressively pursued’’ Nowak through the street until police officers arrived on site.
Vickrum Digwa was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. He had been previously banned from a Gurdwara a long time before the incident took place as a result of his behaviour.
