based on the false account of the killer Vickrum Digwa. The killer, Vickrum Digwa, lied to police at the scene by claiming he was the victim of a racist attack, which led to officers arresting the dying Nowak instead of providing immediate medical aid. Nowak's family described his treatment by police as "inhumane and degrading," citing that he told officers "I can't breathe" nine times and was pulled across gravel while handcuffed. The weapon used on Nowak was much larger than a traditional religious kirpan, and Digwa described it as a "shastar" (weapon), leading to condemnation from the Sikh community, which clarified it was not a proper kirpan.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the police force's actions, while the attorney general's office has received multiple requests to review Digwa's 21-year minimum life sentence as potentially unduly lenient. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and other political leaders condemned the killing, with calls for reforms including a review of carrying bladed articles for religious purposes and tackling knife crime. A police officer unrelated to the case was misidentified and forced to relocate to protect himself and his family, highlighting the dangerous fallout from the incident. (BBC)