Vijay Mallya is a ‘Son of Karnataka’: HD Deve Gowda

Mallya, currently believed to be in London, is facing legal proceedings for alleged loan defaults by his company.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Saturday defended liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing legal proceedings for alleged loan defaults by his groups of Rs 9,000 crore.

Mallya supposedly left the country on 2 March, even as banks have approached the courts to seek orders restraining him from going abroad.

He is a son of the soil, he is not running away from the country.

Deve Gowda told ANI

Speaking in Mallya’s favour, Gowda said that every airline is facing losses these days and there was no reason to target an international businessman like Mallya.

He's a son of Karnataka soil, he is not running away from the country: Former PM HD Deve Gowda pic.twitter.com/rphIZlDWLN

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 12, 2016

But in a series of tweets on Friday, Mallya said that he was not an absconder and was not fleeing from India.

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

Also read:
How Vijay Mallya Became SBI’s ‘Wilful Defaulter’
Vijay Mallya Is No Longer the King of Good Times