Sotta points finger at MLA

Several friends of Sotta, whom this reporter talked to, also suspected the hands of the MLA in the incident. Srivastava and Sotta had been political rivals for a long time 8212; both operate in the same area 8212; and have had open as well as indirect clashes.

Sotta8217;s brother Nalin told reporters that the car used in the attack 8212; a white Maruti 1000 8212; belonged to Madhu Srivastav. He said Sotta would be making a similar statement to the police shortly.

When contacted, Srivastava denied the allegation and said it was politically motivated. 8220;I share a political rivalry with him, but I have no personal enmity at all8221;, he said, adding, 8220;My political rivals are trying to tarnish my image among the electorate8221;.

8220;In fact, I settled a dispute between Sotta and his partner in a petrol pump, because of which Sotta received Rs 70 lakh. Would anyone see that his enemy gets paid such a large sum of money?8221;, he asked. 8220;I wouldn8217;t even be able to recognise Rohida, but Sotta immediately identified the criminal8221;, Srivastava said.

Speaking to reporters, Commissioner of Police J Mahapatra ruled out extortion as a motive for the assault. However, he said that Sotta had been threatened by Rohida three years ago but there was no contact between the two after that.

Sotta8217;s close friends, though, said Rohida had demanded money from Sotta in a telephone conversation four years ago, but the demand was not met. Sotta8217;s servant Babu Dhobi, who came in contact with Rohida while serving time, said Rohida had told him that he would 8220;meet Sotta after his release8221;.

Sotta himself is undergoing treatment in hospital, around which a heavy security cordon has been placed. Doctors attending to him declared him stable.

All shops and business establishments in Waghodia Road observed a complete strike today, an indication of his clout locally.