AAP leader held in Vadodara over rape case

A senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Vadodara has been arrested following allegations of rape, blackmail and criminal intimidation, triggering a major political controversy in Gujarat.

Police registered a case against AAP city president Ashok Oza after a woman accused him of repeatedly sexually assaulting her under the pretext of offering employment opportunities and a prominent role within the party.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly recorded explicit videos of the woman and later used them to threaten and blackmail her. Investigators have also named Oza’s son in the case following separate allegations of sexual assault made by the complainant. In addition, the woman has alleged that other family members, including Oza’s wife and daughter, pressured her and were aware of the alleged acts. Acting on the complaint, Vadodara Police detained and formally arrested Ashok Oza while initiating legal proceedings against other family members named in the FIR. Authorities have begun a detailed investigation into the allegations and are collecting evidence related to the claims.