Gujarat AAP working president and Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava was detained on Tuesday at Navagam in Narmada district, just a few kilometres from the Bharuch district border. Vasava, accompanied by his supporters, was on his way to surrender at a police station in Bharuch as part of the Jail Bharo Andolan, a protest sparked by two FIRs registered against him last week.
In a pre-emptive move early Tuesday morning, a convoy of police vehicles blocked the road connecting Narmada to Bharuch at Navagam, intercepting Vasava’s procession.
The MLA was booked on 8 and 10 December for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, obstructing police officers on duty, and endangering lives. In response, Vasava launched the Jail Bharo Andolan, accusing the ruling BJP of “using the police machinery” to govern through fear.
Refusing to turn back after being intercepted by the police, Vasava and his supporters engaged in a heated exchange with the Narmada district police, led by Rajpipla Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Sanjay Sharma. The AAP leader criticised the BJP for allegedly fostering a climate of intimidation.
“The BJP is misusing the administration, police, ED, and other agencies to create an atmosphere of fear. The Constitution is under threat, and people must step out of their homes to protect democracy,” Vasava declared.
According to Narmada police officials, Vasava did not have permission to carry out a rally through Narmada district to Bharuch. Bharuch District Superintendent of Police Mayur Chavda dismissed Vasava’s actions as a political “stunt” intended to pressure the authorities.
Chavda stated, “The Bharuch district police have neither summoned Chaitar Vasava nor his supporters for questioning or statement recording in the two cases filed against him. Nor have we detained or arrested him so far. The MLA is attempting a stunt to pressurise the police. About 20 of his supporters, who gathered without permission to join him, have been detained.”
Narmada District Superintendent of Police Prashant Sumbe confirmed that Vasava had been detained while attempting to reach Bharuch.
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