Reputation damage while I’m not in person and making false allegations

Hi The old tenant who stayed for rent in my property has spread false allegations and rumours about me in the building premises in front of the building secretary and my uncle and other residents of the that. I reside outside country and this tenant has not paid rent on time for the last month and neither has informed me about the delay unless I contacted him. Quoting this reason that I have tried to Contact him multiple times about rent he created Ruckers at the building while at the last stage of vacating the flat. Whilst I have contacted him multiple occasions was to find out what happened and if everything was ok with him since he never delayed the rents earlier in the past. I have all valid proofs of the same with me via WhatsApp chat. Now I would like to file a defamation case against this person for making allegations against me and damaging my reputation when I’m not in the scene. Is the defamation case the right way to take it forward or do I need to raise a police complaint? I expect him to come and make apology to me for making those allegations in front of all the residents present in building. Kindly advice. Regards