Fugitive liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya on Wednesday said his extradition from the UK to India will take its own legal course, while offering to pay back 100 per cent of "public money".
Mallya, who has been fighting a legal battle against his extradition to India, claimed that he has been falsely dubbed as a "defaulter" by politicians and media.
“I see quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course,” he said in a series of tweets.
I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ?
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
In September, a UK court had fixed December 10 as the date to deliver its verdict on whether beleaguered liquor baron can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore.
He further said, "The most important point is the public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, WHY (sic)," he added.
Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks.
He, however said, "Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about me being a defaulter, who has run away with PSU bank money. All this is false.
"Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before Karnataka High Court. Sad."
He claimed he had made the offer to settle the dues to the banks since 2016.
Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why don’t I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that’s where Banks money went.I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
For three decades running India’s largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018
Reflecting on the downfall of KFA, he said, "Airlines are struggling financially because of high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices."
He further said Kingfisher also faced the "highest ever crude prices of US$ 140 per barrel."
"Losses mounted and that's where the banks' money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he tweeted.