'Fugitive, not a thief': Vijay Mallya apologises for Kingsher's failure, says 'ready to return to India if...'

Controversial Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya issued an apology for the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines, denying allegations of theft. Mallya has been facing various fraud charges in India and is currently absconding. The remarks from Mallya came during a four-hour-long podcast with YouTuber Raj Shamani.

During the conversation, Mallya defended his reasoning for not returning to India and insisted that he would consider coming back if he were assured a fair trial and a dignified existence in the country. “I apologise to everyone for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines," said in the podcast host, which was shared online on Thursday.

“If I have the assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence in India, you may be right, but I don’t," he added when asked if he would be in a worse situation if he returned to India.

More from India

Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 jolts Assam, tremors felt in Bhutan and north Bengal 'First Assam visit after Op Sindoor': PM Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs 18,530 cr

‘You can call me a fugitive, but…’: Mallya

In the podcast, Mallya also addressed the allegations of financial misconduct. “You may call me a fugitive, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons that I consider valid… so if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the ‘chor’ (thief) coming from? Where is the ‘chori’ (theft)?” he asked.

It is pertinent to note that Mallya was accused of defaulting on loans worth over ₹9,000 crore extended to Kingfisher Airlines by a consortium of Indian banks. He has since been fighting extradition proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he has lived since 2016.

Despite multiple legal setbacks, including a UK court ruling in favour of his extradition in 2018, Mallya contested the ruling of his return to India, citing unfair treatment and media trials.