Abhishek Banerjee has demanded that Mitra issue an unconditional public apology in writing and through a video message within 72 hours.
Photo: IANS/File
Days after Kamarhati MLA and long-term Mamata Banerjee loyalist Madan Mitra switched sides and joined the Ritabrata Banerjee camp of the Trinamool Congress, the national general secretary of the party’s Kalighat faction, Abhishek Banerjee served a legal notice to the former party leader seeking Rs 10 crore in damages from over allegedly defamatory remarks made during a Facebook Live session on July 19.
The notice, sent through advocate Shrabana Sengupta via email and speed post on July 21, alleges that Mitra, during an eight-minute live broadcast from his verified Facebook page, described the TMC’s second-in-command as a “criminal” and a “murderer”.
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It further claims that Mitra made baseless allegations accusing Banerjee of having people killed through contract killers, thereby seriously damaging his political reputation.
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The notice also refers to the closing moments of the live session, where Mitra is heard asking an unseen person, “Anything more?”, alleging that the remarks were part of a premeditated political conspiracy to malign the three-time Diamond Harbour MP.
Banerjee has demanded that Mitra issue an unconditional public apology in writing and through a video message within 72 hours and pay Rs 10 crore as compensation.
The notice states the amount would be deposited in a registered trust to fund legal action against defecting legislators and MPs and to rehabilitate victims of alleged political violence.
It also warns of civil and criminal proceedings if the demands are not met within the stipulated period.
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