Ahmedabad: What began as a routine drive turned into a harrowing ordeal on Monday night for Gujarati folk singer Vijay Rabari, popularly known as Vijay Sunvala. A threatening phone call demanding exclusive performances escalated into a high-stakes car chase near Zundal Circle, leaving the artist visibly shaken.
The 30-year-old, who hails from Sunvala village in Detroj taluka and resides in the Cheharnagar area of Saijpur-Bogha, filed a complaint with Adalaj police on Tuesday detailing the frightening episode.
According to Vijay, the trouble began when he was driving past Zundal Circle and received a call from Phula Rabari, a Gota resident. Phula connected two others — Navghan Gatia and Anil Badshah, both residents of Memnagar — on a conference call. The trio allegedly demanded that Vijay perform exclusively at their events. When the singer explained that his schedule was packed, they reportedly issued death threats and hurled abuses.
Vijay disconnected the call. Moments later, a black MUV appeared and began tailing Vijay’s car. The situation escalated when the vehicle blocked his path, forcing his driver to slam the brakes. Phula, Gatia, Badshah and four other men armed with swords and sticks surrounded Vijay’s car, daring him to step out while banging on the doors. Thinking quickly, Vijay instructed his driver to speed towards Indira Bridge.
The chase continued until Vijay contacted the police control room. A PCR van intercepted, prompting the attackers to flee.
Vijay was taken to Krishnanagar police station before being referred to Adalaj police due to jurisdiction issues. Adalaj police filed a complaint of criminal intimidation, unlawful assembly, and rioting against Phula, Gatia and Badshah and began an investigation.
