Surat, India - Gopal Italia, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Surat Crime Branch over controversial remarks made about Home Minister Harsh Shanghvi on the drugs issue. Italia, the former president of Gujarat's AAP, was later released on bail from the police station itself, as the offense was deemed bailable.

The arrest followed a complaint filed seven months ago by BJP worker Pratap Jeerawala at Umra police station on September 2, 2022. The complaint accused Italia of making controversial and offensive remarks.

Upon being released on bail, Gopal Italia responded to the situation, asserting that no offense was made out in the case. He claimed the complaint was filed with the intention of mentally harassing him and that he was arrested on that basis. Given the bailable nature of the offense, Italia was subsequently released on bail from the police station.