Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for fraud and money laundering involving over ₹9,000 crore, spoke candidly in a four-hour podcast with entrepreneur Raj Shamani. The former Kingfisher Airlines chief, living in the UK since 2016, defended his departure from India, denying he fled. “I didn’t run away, I flew out on a prescheduled visit,” Mallya said, rejecting the label of “chor.” He cited concerns over unfair trials and poor detention conditions in India, referencing a UK court ruling.

Mallya blamed the 2008 global financial crisis for Kingfisher’s downfall, claiming he sought to downsize but was advised against it by then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. He alleges banks recovered ₹14,000 crore, exceeding the original debt. Indian authorities continue pursuing his extradition for financial crimes linked to Kingfisher’s 2012 collapse. Mallya expressed willingness to return if assured a fair trial.