New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has erupted after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Gujarat MLA Chaitar Vasava was sentenced to seven years in prison in a case related to the assault and extortion of forest officials. Reacting to the verdict, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal alleged that central agencies and the BJP had conspired to send the tribal leader to jail.
Kejriwal claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the BJP orchestrated a conspiracy against Vasava because of his growing influence among tribal communities in Gujarat. According to the AAP chief, Vasava was targeted for raising issues concerning tribal rights and opposing the state government on matters related to forest land and displacement.
“ED conspired to ensure that Chaitar Vasava was sent to jail,” Kejriwal alleged, accusing the BJP of misusing investigative agencies to suppress opposition voices. The AAP leader further described Vasava as a popular tribal leader who had consistently fought for the rights of marginalised communities.
The remarks came shortly after a Gujarat court sentenced Vasava and eight others to seven years in prison in connection with a case involving the alleged assault and extortion of forest department officials. The case pertains to an incident in which forest personnel were allegedly attacked while carrying out official duties. The court found the accused guilty after examining evidence presented during the trial.
While AAP has termed the conviction politically motivated, neither the BJP nor investigating agencies have responded to Kejriwal’s latest allegations so far. The verdict is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition in Gujarat.
