Vijay Mallya denies being fugitive, demands refund from government

Liquor businessman Vijay Mallya, residing in the United Kingdom, has rejected claims that he is a fugitive refusing to return to India. Through social media posts, Mallya stated he has been a permanent UK resident since 1992 and is currently legally prohibited from leaving the country.

Mallya faces allegations of defaulting on approximately ₹9,900 crore in bank loans, with the State Bank of India holding the largest share. He left India in March 2016. Mallya attributed his situation to what he called unjust actions by the Indian government.

Mallya further alleged that the Enforcement Directorate had attached his assets and funds. He claimed the ED released over ₹350 crore from his attached funds to pay Kingfisher employees, and he could not pay because his property and funds were frozen by the agency.