Two attorneys have issued pre-action letters demanding apologies, retractions and the removal of a Facebook video, warning of defamation proceedings against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed over allegations made in the broadcast.
Attorney Sase Gunraj, writing on behalf of Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc, and attorney Kashir Khan, representing Mohamed Aqtar Ali, both sent letters dated August 17 demanding Mohamed cease and desist from repeating claims made in a video posted to the “Team Mohamed’s” Facebook page that morning.
The video, viewed more than 384,000 times with over 8,200 reactions, 2,100 shares and 1,600 comments, alleged irregularities in the award of government contracts worth billions of dollars to Sigma Engineers, a company incorporated in October 2022.
Gunraj’s letter said the broadcast falsely suggested Sigma’s incorporation and contract awards were improper, that an inappropriate association existed with Aqtar Ali, and that the company’s water treatment works at Bachelor’s Adventure were linked to the drowning deaths of two children on Phagwah Day. The letter demanded a written retraction and apology published with the same prominence as the original video, compensation, and preservation of all related evidence, failing which High Court proceedings would follow without further notice.
Khan’s letter said Mohamed had specifically named Aqtar Ali as President Dr Irfaan Ali’s brother during the broadcast and accused him of fronting Sigma Engineers through associate Taamjeed Rahmaan to “rob taxpayers.” The letter also cited claims that Aqtar Ali resided and exercised influence at State House and had benefited from land access for a company bond.
Khan said his client held no directorship or shareholding in any company referenced in the video and described the allegations as calumnious and unsubstantiated. He warned that further repetition or publication of the statements would amplify their defamatory effect and reserved his client’s right to pursue legal action.
Both letters were sent as pre-action protocol notices, giving Mohamed an opportunity to resolve the matter before proceedings begin. Gunraj’s letter listed remedies that could be sought in court, including damages, aggravated and exemplary damages, an injunction against further publication, interest and costs.
