Kabaddi violence in UK: 7 Indian-origin men convicted

Seven Indian-origin men, aged between 24 and 36, have been convicted for their involvement in violent disorder at a kabaddi tournament in Derby, East Midlands, England. The court found them guilty of various charges, including intent to endanger life.

The two Indian-origin players out of the seven, Parminder Singh, 25, and Malkeet Singh, 24, were convicted of violent disorder and possession of a firearm by a jury last week.

While five Indian-origin players — Karamjit Singh, 36, Baljit Singh, 33, Hardev Uppal, 34, Jagjit Singh, 31, and Doodhnath Tripathi, 30 — pleaded guilty to various offences, including possession of a bladed article, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and wounding.

Derbyshire Police reported that violence erupted between two groups at the Alvaston tournament in August last year, resulting in several injuries.

All seven men will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court at a later date.

“What should have been a pleasant day out for people attending a sporting event turned into a huge violent disorder in which multiple people were injured. We are very grateful to all who have helped with our enquiries,” said Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, the Senior Investigating Officer at Derbyshire Police.

GROUP PRE-PLANNED FIGHT

The violence had been pre-planned, with a group meeting on Brunswick Street, Derby, before the event.

Parminder Singh, 25, was captured on drone footage moving towards a hedge where police later found a shoulder bag containing a loaded semi-automatic pistol with his DNA on it.

Singh was shot in the groin during the altercation and required surgery

Malkeet Singh, 24, was involved with the violence and sustained head injuries.

“Malkeet Singh and Parminder Singh showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others during this event, so I am pleased they have now been convicted for their part in this very disturbing incident,” said Detective Constable Stevie Barker, who led the investigation.

The annual tournament, organised by the England Kabaddi Federation and composed of clubs from the British Punjabi community, returned to Derby last weekend without incident.