Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Chaitar Vasava, the MLA from Dediapada, was conditionally granted bail by the Narmada sessions court on Monday. The court ruled that Vasava is prohibited from entering the district until the trial concludes. The legislator had been arrested on December 14 of the previous year on charges of threatening a forest department official, discharging a firearm, and engaging in extortion.
Vasava secured bail by providing a bail bond of Rs one lakh, and his entry into the district is limited to specific circumstances, such as the framing of charges and as directed by the trial court. Alongside the tribal leader, his wife, and three others faced charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rioting, extortion, and assaulting government officials. The police also applied sections of the Arms Act against the legislator.
The alleged incident occurred when Vasava confronted forest officials at his residence to discuss the encroachment issue concerning forest land used by tribal farmers in his constituency. The dispute arose due to objections raised by the forest department regarding private parties using forest land for farming. The incident took place on the night of October 30, and an FIR was filed at Dediapada police station on November 2. Vasava surrendered on December 14.
In seeking bail, Vasava, emphasizing his role as a legislator, argued that his presence among the public of his constituency was crucial for addressing their issues. His legal representative contended that the police case was fabricated, asserting that Vasava was not present at the location during the incident. The lawyer argued that Vasava did not obstruct government officials in the performance of their duties, nor did he threaten or extort money from them as alleged in the FIR.
The court, while granting bail, directed Vasava to cooperate in the investigation and court proceedings during the trial. Additionally, he was instructed not to directly or indirectly threaten witnesses. The public prosecutor opposed the bail plea, citing Vasava’s history of four past FIRs lodged against him.
