AAP MLA Vasava arrested after “scuffle” with BJP leader during meeting at taluka panchayat office

Sanjay Vasava claimed that Chaitar Vasava used “inappropriate” language against a woman panchayat president.

The row began when Chaitar Vasava, the AAP MLA from Dediapada seat, reached the taluka panchayat office to attend a coordination committee meeting. The meeting was being attended by taluka development officers from Dediapada and Sagbara talukas, mamlatdars, and deputy executive engineers from both talukas. Besides, six other people, three each from the two talukas, were present at the meeting.

Chaitar Vasava’s supporters said he inquired about the six people and discovered that they had been newly inducted in a committee for ATVT (Apno Taluko Vibrant Taluko), concerning development works in talukas and villages. Vasava objected to this, stating that his consent had not been sought as the elected MLA from Dediapada, the supporters said.

Chaitar Vasava reportedly demanded that the committee be dissolved and a new one formed, sources said. He also objected to a businessman being included in the committee, citing that he is not an elected member of the taluka panchayat, according to sources present at the meeting.

Sources said that the committee was formed under the direction of Sanjay Vasava.

Following Chaitar Vasava’s objections, a heated exchange allegedly took place between him and Sanjay Vasava during which both leaders pushed each other, said sources. During the scuffle, Chaitar Vasava’s clothes also got torn, the MLA’s supporters claimed.

Taluka development officers intervened and brought the situation under control.

Chaitar Vasava then reached Dedipada police station to register a complaint against Sanjay Vasava and others. But soon, a rumour spread that the MLA had been arrested by police following which a large number of people gathered outside the police station, said sources.
A huge force, including high-ranking officials, reached the police station as the situation worsened. Over 15 policemen were deployed at the main gate of the police station to prevent the public from entering the premises.

As the situation got tense, police decided to take Chaitar Vasava away to Rajpipla, the headquarters of the Narmada district. But as the personnel made their way to the police jeep, Chaitar Vasava in tow, the MLA’s supporters allegedly lay on the road in a bid to stop the vehicle from moving forward, said sources. Police had to use force to remove them, the sources added.

Sharing a video message, AAP’s state president Isudan Gadhvi said, “Chaitar Vasava had raised the issue of the MGNREGA scam in the district due to which BJP leaders and others are unhappy. He has been taken into police custody where he is not allowed to meet lawyers and other people.”

Chaitar Vasava has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 109 (1) (attempt to commit murder), 79 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 351 (3) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 324 (3) (mischief).

Sanjay Vasava told media persons, “During the meeting, there was an argument between Chaitar Vasava and Sagbara Taluka panchayat president Champaben Vasava. The language used by the AAP MLA was inappropriate, so I intervened in the spat and requested that he maintain the decorum of the meeting. The AAP MLA lost his cool and threw his mobile phone at me. He also threw a drinking water glass on me. This is what caused a scuffle…”

Meanwhile, SP Sumbe said, “Large number of people gathered both at Dediapada police station and Rajpipla LCB police station. We have brought the situation under control. We have made an appeal to the public not to rely on any social media-based rumours and maintain law and order.”