Court Orders Release After Prolonged Custody
A District and Sessions Court in Botad has granted bail to seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, more than 100 days after their arrest in connection with the Botad violence that occurred in October last year. The leaders, including senior party figures Raju Karpada and Pravinbhai Ram, had been in judicial custody since their arrests following the unrest. Their release is expected on Sunday after the court’s order.
An AAP spokesperson welcomed the decision, highlighting the prolonged period their leaders had spent in jail. The bail comes after extensive legal proceedings and pressure from party members and supporters.
Background: Farmers’ Protest Turns Violent
The unrest traces back to a farmers’ mahapanchayat held on October 12, 2025, in Hadadad village, Botad district, organized by the AAP. Farmers and party workers had gathered to protest alleged irregularities in the local cotton market, specifically the practice of “kadada”, where traders were accused of making unauthorized deductions during weighing at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).
According to police reports, the gathering was held without official permission. Tensions escalated when police attempted to disperse the crowd. Some protestors allegedly pelted stones at police vehicles, prompting the authorities to use lathicharge and teargas to restore order. Several policemen were injured, and vehicles were damaged during the clashes.
Charges and Arrests
Following the incident, the Paliyad police station registered an FIR on October 13, naming 68 people, including AAP leaders, party workers, and farmers. Charges included rioting, unlawful assembly, assaulting public servants, criminal conspiracy, and attempt to murder.
Senior AAP leaders initially went underground after the FIR was lodged but were later apprehended in Ahmedabad. Many accused individuals were arrested over the following weeks and remanded to various jails across the state.
Political Reactions and Public Response
The arrests sparked political controversy, with AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal criticizing the state government. He described the action as a crackdown on dissent, asserting that the protest was focused on farmers’ rights and fairness in the cotton market, not violence. The party vowed to secure the release of all those jailed.
While some accused were granted bail earlier, the recent court order marks a significant step in resolving the cases of those who had remained in custody for months. The bail has been welcomed by party supporters and is seen as a key development in the ongoing political discourse surrounding the incident.
Looking Ahead
With the release of these seven leaders, attention now turns to the remaining accused and how their cases will proceed. The incident and its legal aftermath continue to highlight the delicate balance between protest movements, law enforcement, and political engagement in Gujarat’s agrarian and civic issues.
