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Vijay Mallya claims legal restrictions in UK prevent return to India
Vijay Mallya has issued a series of statements claiming he is not a fugitive avoiding Indian law, but is instead a permanent resident of the United Kingdom who is legally prohibited from leaving the country.
Mallya challenged the Indian government's narrative, alleging that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered significantly more than his recorded debt. He cited an affidavit from the Bombay High Court stating his debt was 6,203.60 crore, while claiming that recoveries have reached 14,131.60 crore. He further noted that 350 crore from seized assets was used to pay outstanding salaries for Kingfisher Airlines employees and has demanded a refund of the surplus funds.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has maintained its commitment to bringing fugitives wanted by Indian law back to the country to face trial, noting that the process involves complex legal and diplomatic layers. In late 2025, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that 15 individuals, including Mallya and Nirav Modi, have been declared Fugitive Economic Offenders under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.
Entities
Enforcement Directorate · India · Ministry of External Affairs · United Kingdom · Vijay Mallya
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that 15 individuals have been declared Fugitive Economic Offenders. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mallya stated that 350 crore from seized assets was used by the ED to pay Kingfisher Airlines employees' salaries. www.zoomnews.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs remains committed to bringing fugitives back to India to face trial. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mallya claims that 14,131.60 crore has been recovered against a debt of 6,203.60 crore. www.zoomnews.in
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Enforcement Directorate filed an affidavit in the Bombay High Court regarding Mallya's debt and recoveries. www.zoomnews.in
- [● 3 SOURCES] Vijay Mallya claims he is legally prohibited from leaving the United Kingdom. www.zoomnews.in · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mallya alleges the Indian government has been grossly unjust in his case. newsable.asianetnews.com