A kabaddi tournament in Derby, England’s East Midlands region, turned into a violent clash, in which three Indian nationals have been sentenced to a total of over 11 years in prison. The incident dates back nearly two years, when there was rampant shouting and waving of weapons during the tournament. The UK court has sentenced all three of them to be guilty.
Derbyshire Police said in a statement released on Friday that Damanjeet Singh (35), Buta Singh (35) and Rajwinder Takhar Singh (42) were involved in a violent clash during a kabaddi tournament in Alwaston in 2023. Many people were injured in this clash. All three accused pleaded not guilty, but were found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court last month.
Also notice of firing and use of weapons
According to the police, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at around 4:00 p.m., a shooting and an altercation with weapons were reported near Elwaston Lane. In the video footage that emerged from the scene, Buta Singh was seen chasing the rival gang. Although no weapon was seen with him at that time, two machetes were recovered from his boot when the police stopped his car two days later. In the footage, Damanjit Singh and Rajwinder Takhar Singh were also seen with big knives during the clash. After this, the three were arrested and charges were laid against them.
Different periods of punishment were awarded
The court sentenced Buta Singh to four years in prison. Damanjeet Singh was sentenced to three years and four months, while Rajwinder Takhar Singh was sentenced to three years and ten months. In this way, the three will have to serve a total of more than 11 years of imprisonment.
Two accused acquitted, earlier arrests have also been made
In this case, the jury acquitted two other accused who were facing trial for their alleged role in the violence. The sentence follows last year’s crackdown, in which seven other people of Indian origin were jailed in connection with the same violence.
The police said the clash was planned in advance
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croom said the incident and the subsequent investigation had a profound impact on local people and bystanders. He thanked all those who assisted in the investigation. According to the police, the investigation also revealed that the clash was pre-planned and a group had gathered on Brunswick Street in Derby before the incident.