By Cecily Asson Sunday, January 13 2013

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San Fernando Mayor Dr Navi Muradali...

San Fernando Mayor Dr Navi Muradali who has kept a low profile since an alleged public spat between himslef and a woman at the Gulf City Mall, La Romaine on December 21, has instructed attorneys to pursue legal action against those who he claimed “published grossly inaccurate and possibly defamatory accounts of this incident.”

In a statement issued to the media yesterday, Muradali also said an official complaint will be lodged with the Media Complaints Council over the use of the social media to generate media stories.

In his statement, Muradali confirmed that he and his girlfriend used the social media sites to “ventilate their feelings”, an action which he said both parties have since regretted as members of the public have become involved in their business..

Muradali is serving his first year as mayor of San Fernando, having succeeded Marlene Coudray who is now Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development.

Yesterday, Newsday reported that councillors and members of staff of the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC) have been asking about the whereabouts of the mayor who has not been seen much in public since the alleged incident involving the female attorney.

Muradali said in his statement he wanted “to clear the air on what can only be described as grossly inaccurate, exaggerated and mischievous reporting on an incident.”

The release continued, “I wish to confirm that on December 21, 2012, a public disagreement took place between my girlfriend and I while we were exiting the Gulf City Mall. During this disagreement, harsh words were exchanged by both parties as we were entering my private vehicle. This argument continued in the privacy of my vehicle.”

He said neither he nor his girlfriend, who he did not identify, were injured during the exchange.

“Regrettably, both parties used the social media sites as means to ventilate their feelings on this issue.

“We have since resolved the disagreement between us and have apologised to each other and our respective families.. I wish to confirm that neither party made a report to the police authorities in relation to this matter. It is regrettable that this private matter between us has become public and it is unfortunate that many have published grossly inaccurate and possibly defamatory accounts of this incident.”

“This issue is now closed,” he declared.