BANGAON, India — Tanay Shastri, an event organizer from North 24 Parganas district, lodged a formal complaint Saturday at Bangaon Police Station against actress Mimi Chakraborty. He accuses her of defamation and seeks Rs 20 lakh in compensation plus the return of a Rs 2.65 lakh performance fee.

Shastri told reporters outside the station that Chakraborty’s accusations ruined his reputation. “She took Rs 2.65 lakh to perform at our club but arrived late,” he said. “Her false complaint forced me to spend 14 days in jail. She must apologize publicly and refund the money.”

The clash traces back to last month. Chakraborty headlined a late-night event in Bongaon organized by Shastri. She claims he yanked her offstage around midnight, lacking permission to extend the show. Police records show she filed a harassment complaint soon after.

Shastri countered with his own report. He insists Chakraborty missed her slot and that he simply asked her to wrap up. Officers went to his home to probe. Shastri and two aides allegedly blocked them, leading to arrests under non-bailable charges for harassment and obstructing police.

A court granted Shastri bail on February 11 after more than a week behind bars. Two days ago, on Thursday, he sent Chakraborty a legal notice for Rs 20 lakh or face court. No response has come from the actress, according to Shastri.

“This defamation has no basis,” Shastri said. “If she ignores the demands, I’ll file the case in two or three days. I’m fighting to the end.”

Chakraborty, known for Bengali films and her stint as a Trinamool Congress MP, has stayed silent on the police complaint. The row, now flipping from harassment claims to defamation, heads into a new court battle. Bangaon station officers confirmed receiving Shastri’s filing but offered no details on next steps.

Local media captured Shastri’s firm stance post-complaint. He denied any onstage disrespect toward Chakraborty. The district superintendent of police’s office, where he first approached, directed him to the station.

Shastri’s associates backed his account during the arrests. Police invoked serious sections, highlighting the initial tension. Bail came after judicial review, but scars linger for Shastri.

Chakraborty’s side paints a different picture: an abrupt ejection past midnight without event clearance. Her complaint sparked the raids. Now, with Shastri turning tables, legal fees and public scrutiny mount on both.

North 24 Parganas, near Kolkata, sees frequent cultural events. This feud highlights risks in tight schedules and permissions. No hearing dates are set yet.