Runaway businessman Vijay Mallya has made a ‘humble request’ to the banks to accept his offer to repay the money he borrowed to keep his defunct Kingfisher Airlines afloat. Mallya has also slammed Indian media for repeatedly calling him a defaulter.
Mallya made the request on Twitter, just a day after the alleged broker of the AgustaWestland deal, Christian Michel, was brought to India from the United Arab Emirates. India has filed similar lawsuits against economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, and Vijay Mallya.
The case against Mallya is pending in a court in London, where Mallya currently resides.
In a series of posts on microblogging site Twitter, Mallya reiterated her stance to pay 100% of the principal amount to the banks and called for fair treatment.
“Politicians and the media are constantly talking out loud about me being a defaulter who got away with PSU Bank money. This is all wrong. Why am I not getting fair treatment and the same loud noise regarding my comprehensive settlement offer in the Karnataka High Court,” Mallya said.
“I see the rapid media narrative on my extradition decision. This is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I offer 100% refund,” added Vijay Mallya .
“I humbly ask the banks and the government to take it. If the refund is refused, WHY?” he asked.
Politicians and the media are constantly talking loud and clear about my status as a defaulter who got away with PSU Bank money. All of this is false. Why am I not entitled to fair treatment and the same loud noise regarding my comprehensive settlement offer in Karnataka High Court. Sad.
Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
Mallya further said his business Kingfisher Airlines was a “fabulous” airline, but added that it failed due to additional costs from soaring aviation turbine fuel prices.
“Airlines in financial difficulty partly because [sic] high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fabulous airline that faced the highest crude prices ever at $140 a barrel. Losses increased and that’s where the banks’ money went. I offered to repay them 100% of the principal amount. Please take it,” the beleaguered businessman said.
For three decades at the helm of India’s largest liquor group, we poured thousands of crores into state coffers. Kingfisher Airlines has also been a major contributor in the United States. Sad loss of the best airline, but I still propose to pay the banks, so no loss. Please take it.
Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
Listing his contributions, Mallya said, “During three decades at the helm of India’s largest liquor group, we have contributed thousands of crores to the state treasuries. Kingfisher Airlines has also contributed greatly to the United States- United Sad loss of the best airline but I still offer to pay the banks so no loss Please take it.
He reiterated again that his settlement offer had been pending since 2016 and asked the media to check the facts before making any claims.
Mallya fled India on March 2, 2016 after failing to repay dues amounting to Rs 9,000 crore to banks. Indian authorities have come under heavy pressure to extradite him from the UK, where he has lived for two years.
I see the rapid media narrative on my extradition decision. It is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I propose to reimburse 100%. I humbly ask the banks and the government to take it. If refund refused, WHY?
Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
He is currently out on bail on an extradition warrant issued last year in connection with money laundering charges. A decision on his extradition case is expected at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London later this month.
Read also | In court, lawyers for Vijay Mallya slam new economic offenders law as draconian
See also | Vijay Mallya faces London mortgage deal
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