Rise of fight clubs in city

Experts warn underground fight clubs could normalise violence and attract vulnerable youth

EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI I hyderabad

What began as a social media-promoted underground fight event has now sparked serious concerns among police, psychologists and legal experts. Marketed on Instagram with the provocative slogan “No Rules, No Ring, No Restrictions – Just Fists,” the so-called “Brutal Fight Club” attracted hundreds of followers before landing in legal trouble.

The controversy erupted after Hyderabad police registered a case against the organisers of the event, which allegedly encouraged participants to engage in unregulated physical combat. Authorities say the organisers had previously conducted similar programmes and had sought permission to hold another event in Saroornagar. The request was rejected by police, forcing the proposed event to be cancelled.

The case was registered following a complaint from the Social Media Unit of the IT Cell, which flagged videos circulating online. Investigators claim the content glorified violent confrontations and posed a serious threat to public safety. The Instagram account allegedly linked to boxer Purvik Munugapati featured reels promoting the events and inviting people to participate.

Speaking to Metro India, counselling psychologist Kavita Panyam warned that the concept goes far beyond a sporting contest. “When organisers advertise an event with no rules, no ring and no restrictions, it becomes dangerous. Without regulation, fights can escalate into personal vendettas, gang rivalries and uncontrolled violence,” she said.

According to Panyam, even spectators can be affected psychologically. She explained that repeatedly watching such violent content may trigger dopamine-driven reward mechanisms, creating excitement, addiction-like behaviour and a false sense of achievement. “People may begin identifying with fighters, feeling they are settling their own scores through someone else’s victory,” she noted.

She further cautioned that the events could attract vulnerable individuals struggling with low self-esteem, bullying, trauma or unresolved anger. “What is being marketed as boxing can easily become a platform for rage, aggression and score-settling. It normalises violence outside the framework of sport,” she said.

Panyam also raised concerns over social media promotion, saying platforms like Instagram can rapidly influence impressionable youth. “Young people seeking identity, belonging or validation may be drawn into groups, clans or cult-like environments that glorify aggression,” she observed.

Legal experts echo these concerns. They point out that organised combat events conducted without proper permissions, safety protocols or recognised sporting oversight can attract criminal liability under public safety laws. Experts warn that participants, organisers and even promoters could face legal consequences if injuries, disturbances or unlawful activities occur.

While professional boxing operates under strict regulations, trained referees and safety standards, critics say the ‘Brutal Fight Club’ model removes those safeguards entirely. As police investigations continue, experts stress that parents, educators and communities must remain vigilant against online trends that blur the line between sport and violence.

As police continue their investigation, experts say the real concern extends beyond a single event. They warn that unregulated fight clubs promoted through social media risk normalising violence, attracting vulnerable youth and creating spaces where aggression is celebrated rather than controlled.