Dhanbad, July 13 -- The political confrontation between BJP MP Dhullu Mahto and CPI(ML) Nirsa MLA Arup Chatterjee intensified on Sunday after the Lok Sabha member served a legal notice seeking Rs.2 crore in damages, accusing the legislator of making "false, baseless and defamatory" allegations against him and his family. Issued through his advocate, the notice alleges that Chatterjee made defamatory statements during a recent press conference which were subsequently circulated by print, digital and social media platforms, causing serious damage to the MP's personal and public reputation. The notice demands that Chatterjee issue an unconditional written public apology within seven days, withdraw all alleged defamatory statements, remove related content from social media and digital platforms, refrain from making similar allegations in the future, and pay Rs.2 crore as compensation for the alleged loss of reputation, mental distress and social embarrassment. It warns that failure to comply would result in both civil and criminal legal proceedings before a competent court. The latest legal move comes days after the two leaders traded allegations over alleged links with fugitive gangster Prince Khan, with Chatterjee filing an FIR against the MP and demanding a CBI probe, while Mahto rejected the charges and levelled counter-allegations. "Democracy gives everyone the right to express their views, but making false and defamatory allegations without facts or evidence is unacceptable. This step has been taken to uphold truth, dignity and the rule of law," Mahto said in a press statement. Responding to the notice, Chatterjee told this correspondent, "An appropriate legal response to the notice will be given. I have already filed an FIR against Mahto."...