Controversial Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, currently absconding and facing multiple fraud charges, has publicly apologised for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines but denied any wrongdoing or allegations of theft. Speaking on a four-hour-long podcast with YouTuber Raj Shamani, the former liquor baron offered rare personal insight into his side of the story.
Vijay Mallya Apologises For Kingfisher Failure
“I apologise to everyone for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines,” Mallya said during the episode, which went viral after its release on Thursday. However, the fugitive tycoon was quick to distance himself from accusations of financial misconduct, stating, “You may call me a fugitive, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit… so if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the ‘chor’ (thief) coming from? Where is the ‘chori’ (theft)?”
Mallya has been living in the United Kingdom since 2016 and has been resisting extradition to India. He is accused of wilfully defaulting on loans exceeding ₹9,000 crore, taken by Kingfisher Airlines from a consortium of Indian banks. A UK court ruled in favour of his extradition in 2018, but legal proceedings and appeals have delayed his return.
Mallya Hints At Return To India
When asked if he would consider coming back to India, Mallya cited concerns over judicial fairness and personal dignity. “If I have the assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence in India, you may be right, but I don’t,” he said.
Fugitive or Framed? Mallya Reignites Public Debate
Mallya’s statements have sparked mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of evasion and selective storytelling, while others see it as a long-overdue public explanation from one of India’s most controversial tycoons.
Mallya’s remarks have elicited a variety of reactions; some critics have gone as far as to label him an evader and a person who tells only parts of the story, whereas there are those who view it as a public clarification from a controversial Indian businessman that came a bit late.
