Gujarat AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava convicted in assault, extortion case, sentenced to 7 years

A sessions court in Rajpipla, Gujarat, has convicted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitar Vasava and several co-accused in a case involving assault, intimidation, and extortion of forest officials. The conviction carries a sentence of seven years imprisonment, potentially leading to Vasava's disqualification as the MLA for the Dediapada constituency.

The case dates back to October 30, 2023, when forest authorities removed illegal cultivation from government forest land. Following this, forest officials were allegedly called to Vasava’s residence, where a forester was reportedly abused, slapped, and threatened. A firearm was allegedly discharged in the air to instill fear. The following day, officials were purportedly forced to pay ₹60,000 at Pitha Ground.

The first information report was registered on November 2, 2023, with the charge sheet filed on January 30, 2024. The court accepted the prosecution's case, which included witness statements, documentary evidence, call records, and bank details, to establish the accused's involvement. Applications by the defense to recall prosecution witnesses and lead defense evidence were rejected by the sessions court and upheld by the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court.