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There's nothing much official about Rajkot Mayor Mansukh Chavda8217;s Rs 1.16-lakh cellphone bill other than the number. The Mayor, who was...

There8217;s nothing much official about Rajkot Mayor Mansukh Chavda8217;s Rs 1.16-lakh cellphone bill other than the number. The Mayor, who was at the World Mayor Council in London, claims that most of the calls he made were official. But about 60 per cent of the bill is due to one number 8211; that of Congress worker Saroj Bhatt, who has repeatedly charged Chavda with exploiting and molesting her.

During his 17-day stay in London from July 17, Chavda made and received as many as 49 calls from his official cellphone 9824210844 to 9824314192, which is in the name of Hitesh Bhatt, Saroj8217;s 14-year-old son. The longest call, on July 26 at 4.40 am, lasted 72 minutes Rs 9,480. Another 64-minute marathon Rs 8,500 was made on July 21 at 10.33 pm. On the same day, seven calls amounting to Rs 24,224 were made to Saroj8217;s number.

8216;8216;Yes, this is my number. I activated this number five months ago in the name of my son Hitesh,8217;8217; said Saroj. 8216;8216;During his London tour, Chavda called me on this number and occasionally, we had long conversations. At his behest, I also called him on his official number.8217;8217;

Only last week, Saroj alleged that Chavda took advantage of her poor financial condition and molested her. She also charged that he had a physical relationship with her, promising her a house and a post in the Congress. Saroj, a mother of three, went on to demand police protection, following pressure from Chavda to withdraw her allegations.

Chavda has, so far, denied having a relationship with Saroj. He has also denied using the cellphone for unofficial purposes. He could not be contacted since Friday, his cellphone was switched off.

Now, the Opposition is up in arms. 8216;8216;Chavda was allowed to activate roaming facility so that he can keep in touch with the Commissioner and other officials. But according to the bill, he hadn8217;t called Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar or any official even once,8217;8217; BJP city chief Dhansukh Bhanderi said at the civic board8217;s general body meeting on Friday.

8216;8216;We have gone through the details of the bill. There were several marathon calls which cannot be classified as official. The Rajkot Municipal Corporation will not clear this bill,8217;8217; Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar said.

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There8217;s a catch, though. 8216;8216;The number will be disconnected if Chavda does not pay. In case the company files a case, it will be against the Corporation, not Chavda, as it is an official number,8217;8217; an RMC official said.