Gujarat: AAP MLA, 20 others booked for assaulting restaurant owner
What's the story
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitar Vasava and 20 others have been booked for allegedly assaulting a restaurant owner in Narmada district, Gujarat. The incident occurred on September 16 in Dediapada following a dispute over a bill settlement. An FIR has been registered against Vasava, six identified individuals, and approximately 15 unidentified persons based on the complaint filed by the victim, Shantilal Vasava.
Assault details
Alleged assault and threats over bill dispute
The FIR states that the conflict began when Shantilal contacted Vasava to settle an outstanding restaurant bill. This reportedly angered the MLA, who then allegedly instructed Shantilal to wait at his house. According to the complaint, Vasava later arrived with around 20 people who physically and verbally assaulted Shantilal. The group also allegedly issued death threats against him.
Legal proceedings
Case registered under various sections of BNS
The police have registered the case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). This is not Vasava's first brush with the law. In December last year, he was arrested for allegedly threatening a forest official, firing a gun, and extortion. He spent nearly six weeks in jail before being released on bail. Vasava won the 2022 Gujarat election from Dediapada but lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Bharuch.