New Delhi:
A report in a leading English daily suggested on Friday that Vijay Mallya flew out of India on March 2. The report, citing a government official, further states that he took a Jet Airways' Delhi-London flight 9W 122 on a first class ticket. Accompanied by a woman, he was carrying seven baggages, the report says, adding it doesn’t appear to be a business trip.
Amid a row over the alleged defaulting of loans of more than Rs 9000 crore from several banks, Mallya took it to Twitter to clarify that he has not fled from India but because he is an international businessman, he travels abroad more often. “I did not flee from India and neither am I an absconder,” Vijay Mallya said on Twitter on Friday.
The UB Group chairman and Rajya Sabha member Mallya, who is facing legal proceedings following the alleged money laundering, is believed to be in London in an English village.
It is believed that the liquor baron is currently in the village of Tiwen near St Albans in Hertfordshire. His London home is located near Baker Street area.
I am an international businessman. I travel to and from India frequently. I did not flee from India and neither am I an absconder. Rubbish.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 10, 2016
As an Indian MP I fully respect and will comply with the law of the land. Our judicial system is sound and respected. But no trial by media.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 10, 2016
Let media bosses not forget help, favours,accommodation that I have provided over several years which are documented. Now lies to gain TRP ?
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 10, 2016
News reports that I must declare my assets. Does that mean that Banks did not know my assets or look at my Parliamentary disclosures ?
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 11, 2016
Once a media witch hunt starts it escalates into a raging fire where truth and facts are burnt to ashes.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 11, 2016
According to sources, the Supreme Court is likely to serve him a notice to return to India via the Indian High Commission in London soon. Last month, Mallya had indicated that he wanted to move to UK to meet his children
“My statement as to my personal future after quitting Diageo/USL – that I want to spend more time in England closer to my children – has been grossly distorted and mis-portrayed," he had said.
"I wish to reduce my business commitments gradually and devote more time to my family, and that my resignation from United Spirits was a step in this direction,” he had said in a recent statement," he added.