‘Call me a fugitive, not a thief’: Vijay Mallya says sorry for Kingfisher crash, not the ‘chor’ tag

Business tycoon Vijay Mallya issued a rare and public apology for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines, while strongly denying allegations of theft and defending his reasons for staying away from India.

“I apologise to everyone for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines,” Mallya said during a four-hour podcast with entrepreneur Raj Shamani released on Thursday, acknowledging the collapse of the now-defunct airline that once symbolised his flamboyant business style.

However, he maintained that the situation was more complex than often portrayed and denied any criminal intent.


Moreover, in the podcast, Mallya said he would consider returning to India if assured of a fair trial and a dignified existence. "If I have a fair assurance of a fair trail and dignified existence in India, I will think about it (returning to India) seriously."

Addressing the allegations of financial misconduct, Mallya said, “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)?”

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

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