Reports circulating online have sparked fresh attention around Vickrum Singh Digwa, the man convicted of murdering University of Southampton student Henry Nowak, after claims surfaced alleging he was attacked while serving his prison sentence.

According to posts shared across social media platforms, Digwa was allegedly assaulted inside HMP Armley in Leeds and suffered burn injuries after boiling water was reportedly thrown at him. Some accounts have gone further, claiming sugar was mixed into the liquid, causing severe facial burns that required medical treatment within the prison.

However, as of 9 June 2026, none of these allegations have been confirmed by prison officials, police, or any court authority.

No statement has been released by HM Prison Service regarding the reported incident, and no major UK news organization has independently verified the claims. Despite the lack of official confirmation, speculation has continued to spread online in the days following Digwa’s sentencing.

The renewed attention comes after Digwa, 23, was handed a life sentence for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.

The court heard that on 3 December 2025, Nowak, a first-year student at the University of Southampton, was walking home alone when he was confronted by Digwa and stabbed five times with a large knife. One of the wounds penetrated his chest and proved fatal. Emergency responders attempted to save him, but he died at the scene.

Digwa was later convicted of murder and possession of a bladed article. The judge imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years.

During the investigation, Digwa initially claimed in a 999 call that he had been attacked and racially abused by Nowak. Prosecutors challenged that account, and the court ultimately rejected it after evidence failed to support his version of events.

Body-camera footage shown during proceedings revealed that responding officers initially considered parts of Digwa’s explanation before the seriousness of Nowak’s injuries became apparent. The case later prompted questions about police procedures and was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Henry Nowak’s death triggered widespread public reaction across the UK. Family members described the 18-year-old as ambitious, compassionate, and deeply loved. He had recently begun studying accountancy and finance and was the first member of his family to attend university.

Friends remembered him as sociable, football-loving, and excited about the future. His death reignited concerns about knife crime and public safety.

The case also extended beyond Digwa himself. His mother was convicted of assisting an offender after removing the murder weapon from the scene, while other relatives faced separate charges related to offensive weapons.

The sentencing judge dismissed arguments of self-defence and stated that the false accusations made during the case had added further distress to Henry Nowak’s family.

Meanwhile, the case generated discussion within parts of the UK’s Sikh community, with some members reporting incidents of verbal and physical abuse following the conviction.

As for the latest reports concerning Digwa’s alleged treatment in prison, no official confirmation has been provided. Until authorities release verified information, the claims remain unproven and should be treated with caution.