Derby Kabaddi Tournament Violence: UK Court Delivers Verdict, Three Indian-Origin Men Sentenced
Three men of Indian origin have been sentenced to prison in connection with violence that erupted during a kabaddi tournament in Derby, UK, in 2023. According to Derby police, Buta Singh, Damanjeet Singh, and Rajwinder Takhar Singh were sentenced by Derby Crown Court on December 19 after being found guilty in a trial that concluded in November.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 20, 2023, during a kabaddi tournament in Derby, UK, when a pre-planned clash took place between two rival groups. Police officers who arrived at the scene obtained video footage showing Buta Singh chasing members of the opposing group.
Charged with Violent Disorder
Two days later, police stopped his car and recovered two bladed weapons from the trunk. The footage also showed Damanjeet Singh and Rajwinder Takhar Singh carrying large knives during the riot. All three men were arrested and prosecuted for violent disorder.
They were found guilty at Derby Crown Court in November. Buta Singh was charged with violent disorder. On December 19, Buta Singh was sentenced to four years in prison, Damanjeet Singh to three years and four months, and Rajwinder Takhar Singh to three years and ten months for violent disorder and possession of offensive weapons.
Pre-Planned Violence
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome said that what should have been a day of sport turned into a day of violence and injury. He added that the incident and the subsequent investigation had a significant impact on local residents and spectators who had come to watch the match. Police stated that the fight was pre-planned and the group had gathered beforehand on Brunswick Street in Derby.