4 men arrested for violent disorder over gunshots at UK kabaddi tournament
London, Aug 21: Four men aged between 24 and 38 were arrested on Monday on suspicion of possession of a firearm and violent disorder after four people were injured in a "large scale disturbance" at a kabaddi tournament, involving the British Punjabi community, in the East Midlands region of England.
Derbyshire Police said police presence remains in the area of Elvaston Lane in Alvaston, Derby, where the clash occurred on Sunday. Social media footage of the sporting event shows large crowds dispersing in panic as gunshots are fired and reports of a sword-wielding attacker spread. It is believed the incident was the result of a clash between two rival gangs.
"We are keen to speak to anyone with information relating to the incident yesterday (Sunday)," said Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred of Derbyshire Police.
"We are aware of videos of the incident circulating online, we are carrying out investigations in relation to these and I would encourage anyone with footage to send it to us for enquiries to continue," she said.
"Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to the community, please speak to them if you have any information or contact us using the methods provided," she added.
Earlier, the police said they were called to a large-scale disturbance in Elvaston Lane, Alvaston at 15.51 local time on Sunday.
"Three people have been injured, one seriously. They have all been taken to hospital," the statement said, a number which has since gone up to four injured people taken to hospital.
According to Derby World', the event on Sunday brought together expert players from around the UK for the England Kabaddi Federation's tournament made up of a series of fixtures. The local Derby team is known as Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Kabaddi Club and have been playing the sport for over 30 years.
"Kabaddi is traditionally an Indian based sport. Now it is definitely more of an international game," Kully Chhokar, vice president of Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Kabaddi Club, told the local media outlet ahead of the tournament.
"Yes it is a day of competition, but it is also an exciting day out for people watching the game, and the sports' players too. People can enjoy the game and watch the action and get to see it first hand, cheering their teams on," he said.
However, chaos unfolded on the day as crowds gathered to enjoy a day of sport.
Jabardast fight erupted between Spectators in Kabaddi tournament at Derby, England.
— RANA SANGHA - RoughSeaSailor. (@Sangha2Bs) August 21, 2023
This happens when people get free Liquor and Kabaab.
Then all the Punjabi's become Nawab pic.twitter.com/9Ffu9PuIwx
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
