Seven Indian-origin men, aged between 24 and 36, have been convicted for their involvement in a violent disorder at a kabaddi tournament in Derby, East Midlands, England. The disturbing incident, which occurred last August, involved the use of machetes and firearms, leading to several injuries among participants and spectators.
The court found the men guilty of various charges, including violent disorder possession of firearms, and bladed articles with intent to endanger life. Parminder Singh, 25, and Malkeet Singh, 24, were specifically convicted of violent disorder and possession of a firearm. The remaining five men—Karamjit Singh, 36; Baljit Singh, 33; Hardev Uppal, 34; Jagjit Singh, 31; and Doodhnath Tripathi, 30—pleaded guilty to offenses including possession of bladed articles, possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, and wounding.
The violent clash occurred between two groups at the Alvaston tournament, which was meant to be a community event organized by the England Kabaddi Federation. The situation escalated when violence broke out, leading to injuries and significant disorder. The police investigation revealed that the violence had been pre-planned, with the involved groups meeting on Brunswick Street in Derby before the tournament began.
Evidence against the convicts included drone footage capturing Parminder Singh moving towards a hedge where police later discovered a shoulder bag containing a loaded semi-automatic pistol with his DNA on it. Parminder Singh was shot in the groin during the altercation and required surgery, while Malkeet Singh also sustained head injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome of Derbyshire Police expressed gratitude to those who assisted in the investigation, highlighting the severity of the incident. "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," he said.Â
Detective Constable Stevie Barker, who led the investigation, added, "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."
The annual kabaddi tournament, which draws clubs from the British Punjabi community, has since returned to Derby without incident, restoring a sense of normalcy to the event. All seven men convicted for their roles in the violent outbreak will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court at a later date.
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