AHMEDABAD: In a significant verdict, the Narmada Sessions Court on Tuesday convicted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitar Vasava in a high-profile case related to the alleged assault, intimidation and obstruction of duty of forest department personnel.
The court found a total of nine accused, including Vasava's wife, guilty in connection with the incident. The charges included assault on government employees, obstruction of public servants from discharging official duties and criminal intimidation.
All nine accused, comprising five men and four women, have been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Rs 25,000 each.
The case dates back to November 2023, when forest department officials lodged a complaint alleging that they were summoned to Vasava's residence over the removal of illegal plantations from government forest land.
What began as an official enforcement action, soon escalated into a serious criminal confrontation, investigators said.
According to the prosecution, the officials were allegedly threatened, assaulted and prevented from carrying out their lawful duties. The complaint further alleged that shots were fired into the air to intimidate the forest personnel and create fear.
As the investigation progressed, prosecutors claimed that the incident did not end with the alleged assault. The very next day, associates of Vasava, including his personal aide, allegedly demanded Rs 60,000 from the forest employees.
Government lawyer Vandana Bhatt told the court that the demand for money was backed by crucial evidence.
"When they could not arrange the cash, they contacted a superior officer, who transferred the amount online. The digital transfer records formed a significant part of the evidence before the court," Bhatt argued.
The prosecution maintained that witness testimonies, documentary evidence and financial transaction records collectively established the chain of events beyond a reasonable doubt.
After examining government witnesses and evaluating the evidence presented during the trial, the Additional District and Sessions Judge concluded that the charges had been proved against all nine accused.
During the hearing, the prosecution also highlighted the criminal background of the accused, arguing that some of them had previously been granted probation in another matter and had allegedly committed fresh offences after that period ended. The court, they argued, considered these factors while determining the quantum of punishment.
Reacting to the verdict, Vasava said he will challenge it in a higher court.
"I have full faith in the judiciary. We respect the judgment delivered by the Honourable Court. We will now approach the higher court and seek legal remedies available to us," Vasava said.
His legal team also confirmed that the battle would now move to the High Court.
"We will file an appeal before the High Court. The legal process will continue, and the appeal will be submitted within the prescribed time limit," Vasava's lawyer said.
Meanwhile, all nine convicts have been ordered to remain in judicial custody at Rajpipla Jail.
However, the defence has moved an application seeking their transfer to a jail outside the Narmada district, arguing that their presence could affect the local atmosphere and the law-and-order situation.
The defence has also sought special consideration for two women convicts. One of the accused is pregnant, while another is the mother of a newborn child.
Their lawyer has requested the court to permit the child to remain with the mother in jail in accordance with legal provisions.
The conviction marks one of the most significant setbacks for the AAP in Gujarat. More importantly, it places one of the party's strongest tribal leaders under legal and political scrutiny at a time when AAP is attempting to expand its footprint in the state's tribal belt.