Gujarat realtor files complaint against lawmaker

A police complaint filed by a Gujarat realtor against lawmaker Nalin Kotadia accusing him of demanding a Rs 2 crore bribe has taken on murky political overtones. Kotadia has claimed he was being framed as he is about to make a major land scam expose involving Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and other BJP leaders.

Builder Madhubhai Vasani on Wednesday lodged a police complaint against the Kotadia, legislator from Dhari in Saurashtra, that he barged into his office around 8 p.m. on Tuesday with his men, demanded Rs 2 crore, and threatened him.

Kotadia was earlier with the BJP when he and some rebels had formed the Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) under former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel to take on then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Later, the GPP merged with BJP. But Kotadia walked out from there as well though he continues to be assembly member from Dhari in Amreli district.

Vasani alleged Kotadia demanded Rs 2 crore from him and threatened him with life. "Nalin bhai told me that he would get me killed if I don't send Rs 2 crore to him forthwith," the complaint at the Vastrapur police station in Ahmedabad says.

"When I refused to give the money, he called one of his henchmen inside and pushed me around," Vasani says.

Refuting the allegations, Kotadia said he had not made any such demand. "I have not asked for any money, this allegation is to frame me," he said.

"I was on the verge of exposing a big land scam in Daskroi (taluka) in Ahmedabad district. The land is worth Rs 2,000 crore and Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and other BJP leaders are involved. This is why they are trying to fix me."

"I am shortly going to call a press conference to reveal details of the scam," Kotadia said.

--IANS

desai/rn/vt