UK – Derby Kabaddi Clash: Three Jailed for Over 11 Years in Violent Melee
UK – Derby Kabaddi Clash: Three Indian Nationals Jailed for Over 11 Years in Violent Melee
Derby, UK – December 21, 2025 (BNN Web Staff) –
In a shocking verdict, three Indian nationals have been sentenced to a combined 11 years and 2 months in prison for their roles in a brutal, pre-planned brawl at a Kabaddi tournament in Derby two years ago. The violence – involving machetes, knives, and even reports of gunfire – transformed what should have been a festive community event into a scene of chaos, leaving multiple people injured.
The Derby Crown Court handed down the sentences last month after a jury found Damanjit Singh (35), Boota Singh (35), and Rajwinder Takhar Singh (42) guilty of possessing offensive weapons and affray during the August 20, 2023, incident at the Alvaston Lane venue.
The Incident: From Sport to Street Fight
Derbyshire Police were called around 4 p.m. to reports of a large-scale fight involving weapons and possible shots fired. CCTV footage revealed the violence was premeditated: A group gathered earlier on Brunswick Street in Derby before converging on the tournament site.
- Boota Singh: Captured on video chasing rivals during the melee. While unarmed at the scene, police later found two machetes in his car boot after stopping him two days later. He was sentenced to 4 years.
- Damanjit Singh and Rajwinder Takhar Singh: Seen brandishing large knives in the footage. They received 3 years and 4 months, and 3 years and 10 months, respectively.
Two other defendants were acquitted by the jury. This follows last year’s sentencing of seven other Indian-origin individuals involved in the same clash.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croom said: “We know this incident and the subsequent police investigation had a significant impact on the local community and those attending as spectators. We’re grateful to everyone who assisted our investigation.”
Context: A Community Event Gone Wrong
The Kabaddi tournament – a popular sport among the South Asian diaspora – drew hundreds to Alvaston Lane that Sunday afternoon. What began as friendly competition escalated into a vicious brawl, with weapons drawn amid escalating tensions.
Police confirmed the fight was orchestrated, with groups pre-assembling. No firearms were recovered, but reports of shots fired added to the mayhem.
Broader Impact
The case highlights tensions within Derby’s multicultural community, where Kabaddi events often unite families but occasionally spark rivalries. The sentences underscore UK courts’ zero-tolerance for weapon-related violence at public gatherings.
As the defendants begin their terms, Derbyshire Police reiterated their commitment to community safety: “Events like this should be celebrations, not scenes of violence. We’re working closely with local leaders to prevent future incidents.”
This isn’t the first Kabaddi-related clash in the UK – similar brawls have marred tournaments in Leicester and Birmingham – but the lengthy sentences send a strong message. For now, the focus shifts to healing and ensuring sports remain a force for unity.
