Gujarat HC Rejects AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava’s Bail Plea

AHMEDABAD: In a setback to AAP’s Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava, the Gujarat High Court on Monday rejected his bail application in the case involving the assault of forest officials, threats and alleged extortion. The court took a stern view of the matter, stressing that the law must apply equally to everyone.

The High Court observed that Vasava had earlier received relief subject to conditions, including an assurance against further criminal activity, but the prosecution pointed to his subsequent involvement in criminal cases. The court underlined the importance of ensuring that a message does not go out that people in positions of power can evade the consequences of law.

The case relates to a November 2023 incident at Bogaj village in Narmada district, where forest officials were allegedly assaulted and threatened following a dispute over cultivation on forest land. The prosecution alleged that Vasava demanded ₹60,000 as compensation and that a firearm was brought to the site, following which a round was fired into the air.

A Narmada sessions court sentenced Vasava, his wife and seven other accused to seven years’ imprisonment in June 2026. Vasava was also fined ₹25,000. He has been lodged in Vadodara Central Jail since the conviction.

During the High Court proceedings, the state cited Vasava’s criminal record, with reports stating that 22 complaints had been registered against him, of which 12 remained pending.

The High Court’s decision means Vasava will continue to remain behind bars while his appeal against the conviction proceeds.

“The law is supreme and no person is above the law,” the court observed, according to the reported proceedings.