7 Indian-origin men convicted of violence at kabaddi event in England's in Derby

London, August 9

Seven Indian-origin men aged between 24 and 36 years have been convicted for their role in a violent disorder involving guns and machetes at a kabaddi tournament in Derby, in the East Midlands region of England.

Derbyshire Police said several people were injured when violence broke out between two groups who attended the tournament at Alvaston in August last year. While five of the men arrested and charged had pleaded guilty, two others — Parminder Singh and Malkeet Singh — were convicted of violent disorder and possession of a firearm by a jury last week. All five 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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, Senior Investigating Officer at Derbyshire Police.

Police were called to the scene off Elvaston Lane on August 20 last year after reports of shots being fired and people fighting with weapons. They discovered that the fight had been pre-planned with a group meeting at Brunswick Street, Derby, beforehand.

The court heard how Parminder Singh, 25, was one of those who attended the pre-meeting and was captured on drone footage wearing a face covering and with his hood up.— PTI