AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava sentenced to 7 years in forest officer assault case, convicted along with wife, 7 others

A Sessions Court in Rajpipla on Monday convicted AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, his wife and seven others in a 2023 case involving an alleged attack on forest department officials in Narmada district's Dediapada area. The court sentenced Vasava to seven years' imprisonment.

The case stems from a police complaint registered in November 2023, in which Vasava was accused of assaulting forest department personnel after allegedly calling them to his residence. The complaint also alleged that the accused obstructed government officials from discharging their duties and threatened them by firing shots in the air.

According to the prosecution, the incident triggered a major controversy, following which Vasava remained absconding for more than a month before appearing before the police. The matter subsequently went to trial, culminating in Monday's verdict.

Confirming the development, in-charge public prosecutor Vandana Bhatt said the court had found all nine accused, including Vasava and his wife, guilty in the case related to the attack on a forest officer.

The conviction could have significant political implications for the Dediapada MLA. Under the Representation of the People Act, any legislator convicted and sentenced to two years or more in prison faces disqualification from the legislature. With the court awarding a seven-year sentence, Vasava's membership of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly could be at risk unless he secures relief from a higher court.