Vijay Mallya Expresses Regret Over Kingfisher Airlines Crash…

Vijay Mallya discusses the Kingfisher Airlines collapse in a recent podcast, expressing regret but rejecting thief allegations. He indicates potential willingness to return to India if ensured a fair trial. Mallya faces accusations of loan defaults exceeding ₹9,000 crore, while he continues to challenge extradition efforts from the UK.

Vijay Mallya, the controversial former Kingfisher Airlines head, recently expressed remorse over the airline’s downfall, but he firmly rejected the label of thief, instead accepting the title of fugitive. In a four-hour podcast with entrepreneur Raj Shamani released on Thursday, Mallya reflected on his business journey and the stunning collapse of his airline, which once epitomized his lavish lifestyle. According to him, the circumstances surrounding Kingfisher’s failure are more intricate than what is often depicted in the media.

Mallya’s comments included a willingness to contemplate returning to India, provided he is guaranteed a fair trial and a dignified life. “If I have a fair assurance of a fair trial and dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously,” he stated. Highlights like this during the podcast give a glimpse into his mindset.

The businessman faces serious accusations of defaulting on loans exceeding ₹9,000 crore, which were loaned to Kingfisher Airlines by a group of Indian banks. Since relocating to the UK in 2016, he has stood firmly against extradition efforts. Mallya has encountered numerous legal hurdles, including a UK court ruling that favored his extradition back to India in 2018, yet he remains to challenge the accusations and the processes he describes as unfair.

Furthermore, Mallya passionately addressed the allegations against him, saying, “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 are 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)?” This statement clearly shows his indignation towards being labeled as a criminal.

Despite the mounting challenges, Mallya continues to maintain his innocence regarding the charges against him. His situation remains intricate, involving legal intricacies across borders and constant media scrutiny. While this podcast has brought some of his views to light, his legal battle is far from over, with many still questioning his actions during the Kingfisher Airlines era.

In conclusion, Vijay Mallya’s recent podcast revealed his complex feelings about the Kingfisher Airlines collapse, his identity as a fugitive, and his rejection of the ‘thief’ label. He expressed a willingness to return to India under specific guarantees, while also standing firm against accusations of wrongdoing. As he continues to fight extradition and lay claim to fairness, the narrative surrounding his case remains contentious and far from resolved.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com