The murder of 18-year-old Henry Novak by Sikh man Vikram Singh Digwa sparked national outrage after police bodycam footage showed the Southampton student being handcuffed after he was stabbed. The incident sparked protests across the UK and led to reactions from prominent figures ranging from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to billionaire Elon Musk.Novak, a first-year University of Southampton student, was stabbed by 23-year-old Vikram Singh Digwa on December 3, 2025, while walking home after a night out with friends.Moments after the attack, DeGwa reportedly claimed she was racially abused and attacked. When officers arrived, they handcuffed Novak, despite him repeatedly stating that he had been stabbed and could not breathe.The release of police bodycam footage, Degua’s subsequent murder conviction and nationwide protests turned the case into a national confrontation over policing, race and public trust.
Timeline of events in the Henry Novak case
3 December 2025
- Henry Novak, 18, encountered Vikram Singh Digwa while walking home in Southampton.
- After the confrontation, DeGava stabbed Novak five times.
- DeGwa claimed racial abuse; Police initially handcuffed Novak.
- Bodycam footage captured Novak saying, “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe.”
- Officers later realized he had suffered serious stab wounds and began CPR.
- Novak died shortly after midnight.
4 December 2025
- The police searched the house of the Digva family.
- Officers recovered several offensive weapons, including swords, knives, knives and knuckledusters.
- Investigators alleged that Digva’s mother Kiran Kaur had removed and hidden the murder weapon.
8 December 2025
- Hampshire Police charged Vikram Digva with murder and possession of a sharp object.
early 2026
- More than 650 mourners attended Novak’s funeral at Brentwood Cathedral in January.
- Prosecutors alleged that DeGwa fabricated claims of racial abuse to portray herself as a victim.
- Investigators accused Kiran Kaur of helping to remove and hide the murder weapon.
- The secretly recorded conversations allegedly show Digva discussing the stabbing and agreeing to claim self-defense.
May 2026
- Degawa’s murder trial began at Southampton Crown Court.
28 May 2026
- The jury found Digva guilty of murder.
- He was also convicted of carrying a sharp weapon in a public place.
- Kiran Kaur was convicted of assisting an offender.
- Jurors rejected DeGava’s claims of racial abuse and self-defense.
1 June 2026
- Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
- The judge described Novak as unarmed and defenseless.
- Hampshire police have apologized for handcuffing a teenager after he was stabbed.
2 June 2026
- Digwa appeared in court on separate weapons charges.
- His father, Moga Singh, and brother, Gurpreet Digwa, also faced weapons-related charges.
June 2026
- Bodycam footage from the night of the murder was released.
- The footage caused widespread outrage across Britain.
- “Justice for Henry Novak” rallies were held in Southampton.
- Protesters demanded accountability for the police response.
- Disorder broke out during some protests, resulting in injuries to police officers.
after punishment
- The Attorney General’s Office received requests to review Degawa’s sentence under the inappropriately lenient sentencing scheme.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Novak’s family and described the case as “horrific” and “shocking”.
How did the opposition emerge?
Public anger intensified after details of the case and bodycam footage came to light. In the footage, the teen can be seen lying on the ground as officers handcuff him and try to make him sit. He repeatedly tells police that he has been stabbed and is having trouble breathing.“You’ve been stabbed? Where?” an officer can be heard asking. The other replies: “Don’t think you have to, friend.”Hundreds of people gathered at “Justice for Henry Novak” rallies in Southampton demanding accountability and greater investigation of the police response.The matter soon entered the political arena. Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe repeatedly raised concerns about the handling of the incident, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Novak’s family members and pledged that lessons would be learned.Tech billionaire Elon Musk also commented on the matter on social media, helping draw international attention to the controversy.As the protests intensified, the Novak family urged supporters to seek justice through legitimate means and not let Henry’s death become a source of division.