Last Updated:June 06, 2025, 11:44 IST
‘You may call me a fugitive for not returning to India after March, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit,’ says Vijay Mallya.
Vijay Mallya left India in March 2016 after the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, which left a consortium of Indian banks with unpaid loans. (Photo Credit: X)
Businessman Vijay Mallya, who has been living in the UK since 2016 amid allegations of defaulting on loans worth over Rs 9,000 crore, has expressed a possible willingness to return to India — if given assurances of a fair trial.
In the latest podcast interview with YouTuber Raj Shamani, the former liquor baron said, “If I am assured, absolutely I will. I will think about it seriously.”
“There are other people the government of India is targeting for extradition from the UK… where the High Court of Appeal has found Indian detention conditions violative of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR),” he said.
He further stated, “They just lock you up and throw away the key,” referring to what he described as prolonged detention without trial.
On asked if he is assured of fair trial what guarantees would you need, Mallya replied, “That’s something for the lawyers to discuss.”
Mallya also cited previous UK court rulings that have denied extraditions based on detention conditions.
His remarks have sparked renewed speculation over whether a resolution in his long-standing legal battle may be in sight.
Views on Investigating Agencies
Mallya questioned the approach of Indian investigative agencies in dealing with cases involving business failures. “In India, sadly, a business failure is often equated to fraud,” he said.
‘Didn’t Run Away’
On the label of “fugitive”, Mallya said, “You may call me a fugitive for not returning to India after March, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons I consider valid.” He also discussed the allegations of financial misconduct and said, “Where is the ‘chor’ (thief) coming from? Where is the ‘chori’ (theft)?”
Mallya left India in March 2016 after the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, which left a consortium of Indian banks with unpaid loans. Since then, he has been fighting extradition proceedings in the UK, while Indian authorities continue to seek his return to face charges of financial irregularities and money laundering.
The Indian government has maintained that it is committed to bringing back individuals accused of financial fraud, including Mallya, through legal and diplomatic channels. UK courts have so far delayed the process, with Mallya continuing to challenge the extradition on legal and humanitarian grounds.
While his recent comments suggest he may be open to returning, any further development would depend on legal negotiations and decisions by both Indian and British authorities.
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al…Read More
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al… Read More
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