Fugitive businessman and former Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya has fired back against critics labeling him a runaway defaulter, claiming he is legally prohibited from leaving the United Kingdom. In a defiant social media statement on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the 70-year-old tycoon insisted he has held permanent British residency since 1992, accusing the Government of India of turning him into a political poster boy through unjust legal prosecution.
Legal Outburst Over Fugitive Label And Extradition Delay
Addressing persistent public criticism regarding his absence from Indian courts, Mallya rejected the fugitive label in an unsparing public message.
“For all who say I am a bhagoda refusing to come to India, please be aware that I have been a permanent resident of the United Kingdom since 1992 and am currently legally prohibited from leaving this country,” Mallya posted. “All this started with poster boy actions by the Government of India who have been grossly unjust in my case.”
Although British courts approved his extradition in 2019 following an investigation into unpaid loans linked to Kingfisher Airlines, his transfer remains stalled due to ongoing confidential legal proceedings in London.
Indian investigative agencies continue to pursue his repatriation, but British asylum and human rights laws have prevented authorities from executing the formal extradition order.
For all who say I am a bhagoda refusing to come to India, please be aware that I have been a permanent resident of the United Kingdom since 1992 and am currently legally prohibited from leaving this country. All this started with poster boy actions by the Government of India who…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) September 8, 2026
From Building The RCB Empire To Sudden London Exile
Long before his legal downfall, Mallya was celebrated as one of the most visible architects of modern franchise cricket. He purchased Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008 for 111 million dollars, immediately establishing the flamboyant Play Bold identity.
His most consequential move arrived during the inaugural player draft, where he secured a 19-year-old Virat Kohli. Under Mallya’s backing, Kohli transformed from an ambitious youth prospect into a global sporting superstar, forming an enduring emotional bond with Bangalore supporters.
However, the glamorous era ended abruptly in March 2016 when Mallya relocated to Britain amid collapsing airline debts, subsequently relinquishing his directorship at the franchise.
Despite remaining a declared economic offender in India, Mallya retains an active passion for the team, frequently sharing congratulatory messages during tournaments, including celebrating the franchise’s maiden women’s league triumph in 2024.
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