Kolkata, 19 February (H.S.): Event organizer Tanay Shastri has sent a defamation notice against actress and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty. Shastri alleged that his image was tarnished by filing a harassment complaint against him, and has demanded ₹20 lakh in compensation.

Shastri said on Thursday that a legal notice has been sent to Mimi Chakraborty through his lawyer. The notice states that she must either apologize and pay ₹20 lakh, or a defamation suit will be filed against her. There has been no official response from Mimi Chakraborty on this development.

Tanay Shastri claimed that Mimi Chakraborty was paid ₹265,000 to attend the event. According to him, the actress failed to arrive at the event on time, due to which she was asked to leave the stage. Shastri also alleged that the case was filed against him without reason, resulting in judicial custody and damage to his reputation.

Last month, Mimi Chakraborty was scheduled to perform at an event held in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas district. She was the last performer that night. Mimi Chakraborty alleged that Tanay Shastri removed her from the stage during her performance and misbehaved with her because the event was not permitted after midnight. She subsequently filed a police complaint.

In response, Tanay Shastri filed a counter-complaint, stating that the actress did not arrive on time and was politely requested to leave the stage. He denied any harassment. However, Shastri and two of his associates were arrested for obstructing police action during the investigation.

After being booked under non-bailable sections, Tanay Shastri spent more than a week in judicial custody. He was later granted bail on February 11. Now, after the defamation notice has been sent, another legal battle is likely to start between the two parties.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey