Seven NRIs remanded in the UK for killing kabaddi star

Seven people of Indian origin have been remanded to judicial custody in the UK in connection with the killing of prominent kabaddi player Suvinder Singh Batth outside a pub he owned in Bilston in the West Midlands.

Batth, 47, was shot dead outside his pub called Gavin's Sports Bar last week. The seven people charged with his murder were remanded to judicial custody during a hearing at the Wolver Hampton magistrates' court.

Kabaddi enthusiasts paid tributes to Batth as his family grappled with the loss. One fan wrote online: "What a tragedy. Great player of the game, but more so, he was well known for being one of the truly great characters. RIP."

Another fan said: "He was one of the best stoppers in England over the years. He went toe-to-toe with much heavier men and was a big crowd favourite. 'He was a real character who will be a big loss for all the kabaddi world."

Batth's pub was named after his son, Gavin, who reportedly cradled his dying father as he waited for police and ambulance crews to arrive at the scene.

Batth's daughter Danny, 20, said: "He was a loving, caring man who was so generous to us all. We all loved him so much. We just can't believe this."

The six people charged with the murder are Gurpreet Singh Ottalan, 21, Onkar Singh Sangha, 21, Narinder Kumar, 25, Jasbir Singh Takhar, 22, Neesha Dubb, 19, and Jarnal Singh Bajwa, 34.

All denied the charge, but were remanded in custody. Sukwinder Singh Sanghera, 23, chose not to enter a plea and was also remanded in custody.