(Image source from: YouTube/Raj Shamanai)

On Thursday, Vijay Mallya, the former owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, expressed his willingness to contemplate a return to India if he is guaranteed a just legal process regarding the charges of defaulting on loans amounting to several crores from Indian banks. In a podcast that spanned four hours with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, the liquor magnate shared his desire for a life of dignity should he decide to come back to India. “I will seriously consider returning to India if I am assured of a fair trial and a dignified existence,” Mallya stated during the discussion. He also responded to the accusations of wrongdoing, asserting, “While some may label me a fugitive, I did not flee.” He continued, “Fair enough, I did not return for reasons I deem valid, so if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But I must question, where does the accusation of being a ‘chor’ (thief) stem from? What evidence is there of ‘chori’ (theft)?”

Currently residing in London, Mallya is facing extradition efforts from the Indian government due to alleged loan defaults, including those with the State Bank of India (SBI). Earlier this year, he filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court to obtain accounts for loan recovery from banks, represented by senior advocate Sajan Poovayya. Mallya's legal team contends that while a repayment of Rs 6,200 crore was due, Rs 14,000 crore has already been recovered, a fact reportedly communicated to the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister. After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru triumphed over Punjab Kings in the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Mallya reminisced about selecting a young Virat Kohli during the players' auction 18 seasons ago and reflected on the remarkable loyalty Kohli has shown to the franchise, which has finally secured an IPL trophy after a long wait.

“When I established RCB, my aspiration was for the IPL trophy to come to Bengaluru. It was a privilege to draft the legendary King Kohli as a young talent, and it is incredible that he has remained with RCB for 18 years,” Mallya expressed in a post on X. Mallya acquired RCB for USD 111.6 million in 2008, and Kohli was selected during the inaugural IPL auction in January of that same year; he has exclusively played for the Bengaluru franchise ever since. Mallya lost ownership of the team in 2016 following his default on bank loans. Currently, the franchise is entirely owned by United Spirits.

(Video Source: Raj Shamani)