After Riyaaz Amlani questions Watchdog Foundation’s intent, trustees slap defamatory notice for maligning their reputation; demand apology for derogatory statement
Owner Riyaaz Amlani had reacted to the NGO’s objection with an apology and making immediate changes to the pub’s décor
There appears to be no end to the stalemate between Goregaon Social pub owner Riyaaz Amlani and NGO Watchdog Foundation’s Nicholas Almeida and team. Two days after Amlani told a national daily that he would not “tolerate spread of hatred by lies and extortion by playing on people’s religious sentiments”, Almeida, the trustee of the NGO, has slapped a defamation notice against the pub owner.
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The notice, which was sent to Amlani by registered post today, dismissed Amlani’s claims, calling them “false, defamatory, and derogatory”. It goes on to say, “We have suffered immensely due to the sudden loss of goodwill and reputation…which is bound to have far reaching consequences.”
The notice further accused the pub owner of having “acted not only in an utterly irresponsible manner, but also with actual malice”. “In his press statement, he has accused us of being liars and extortionists,” said Almeida. “If he gives us an apology, we won’t press for court charges. He had apologised to the Archdiocese, then why is he publicly making defamatory statements against us now?” he asked.
Stating that this “Christian NGO is taking vigilante and motivated actions by spreading lies and exaggerated truths,” a spokesperson from Impresario entertainment and Hospitality also said in an updated statement that this outfit did not represent the church.
The statement went on to clarify that “the tabernacle is a regular Jagermeister dispenser found in all bars across the world…it is a part of the Jagermeister logo itself”.
“We will apologise if we caused any hurt unintentionally and have removed all material that the representative of the Archdiocese felt could be even remotely blasphemous. This group clearly does not represent the church as the church would never incite violence and hatred like this special interest group is doing. It is unfortunate that they have resorted to this,” the statement read.
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