AAP MLA from Dediapada, Chaitar Vasava, allegedly slapped a man for 'misbehaving with him' outside the Metropolitan Eximchem factory in the Jhagadia GIDC industrial estate. The incident occurred while Vasava was protesting for fair compensation for workers who suffered burns in a factory fire.
Background of the Incident
Vasava had gone to the factory to demand compensation for two workers who died from burns sustained during a fire on Thursday. He accused the police of colluding with the company, which he claimed offered only Rs 15 lakh to the victims' families. Vasava stated, 'Sixteen people got burned, of whom six suffered 80% burns. Two of them died during treatment. As the company management did not care to pay medical bills or compensation, a relative sought help. I reached the factory with supporters at 11am. After one and a half hour of requests, police did not allow us in or call the management. Meanwhile, one person misbehaved with me in the presence of police and tried to charge at me. We finally entered the company by force to talk to the management. The police and management wanted the family to settle for Rs 15 lakh, which was not fair.'
The Slapping Incident
While Vasava was talking to police, a man named Roshan got into an argument with him. Roshan claimed to be a relative of one of the deceased and told Vasava not to interfere as they had already settled with the company. After an argument, Vasava slapped Roshan, who then verbally abused Vasava. Roshan later issued a video stating, 'My relative Rakesh Vasava died in the incident and the company called us for a meeting. Chaitar came here for money and not for the people. I do not belong to BJP or Congress. If any rioting takes place in the area in the future, Chaitar will be responsible for it.'
Political Allegations and Threat of Agitation
In response, Chaitar Vasava threatened an agitation in the Jhagadia GIDC estate and called on all workers to join him. The AAP also released visuals of Roshan Vasava in BJP rallies and claimed that he was a BJP worker. The incident has sparked a political controversy, with both sides trading accusations.
