Monday, August 22 2005 11:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Taking exception to the allegations by veteran Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet that she had tried to create mayhem in West Bengal after the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has sent a notice of defamation to the Marxist leader and Editor of party organ People's Democracy and sought a reply from them.

The legal notice was despatched Thursday (August 18, 2005) by registered post by an advocate from Kolkata, sources close to Banerjee said.

They said the Trinamool Congress leader has threatened to file cases of criminal defamation as also damages for the allegations made by Surjeet, which was published in the CPI (M) mouthpiece last week.

"We have given 15 days time in the notice to Surjeet and Editor of People's Democracy asking them to reply to it. In case the reply is unacceptable to the Trinamool Congress leader, she will take legal action", the sources said.

Surjeet had alleged that the so-called firebrand lady of Bengal was among others trying to organise mayhem in the state at that time.

It could not be immediately confirmed whether the notice has been received by Surjeet or the publication.