Lalit Modi says ‘fugitives’ remark was misinterpreted, offers apology

IPL founder Lalit Modi on Monday apologised for referring to himself and Vijay Mallya as the “two biggest fugitives” of India in a video posted on social media, calling the statement “misconstrued.”

The now-deleted video, recorded during Mallya’s 70th birthday celebrations in London, saw Modi joking about their alleged fugitive status. In an apology posted on X , Modi said, “I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings, especially the Indian Government, whom I have the highest respect and regard for.” He added, “The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out,” offering his “deepest” apologies.

The apology comes shortly after India reiterated its commitment to bringing back economic fugitives, including Modi and Mallya , to face legal proceedings in the country. Both men are facing allegations of financial impropriety, which they deny.

Modi is wanted by Indian probe agencies for his alleged involvement in money laundering and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. Mallya faces fraud and money laundering charges related to loans taken for the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He is believed to be on bail in the UK and has resisted extradition while a “confidential” legal matter, reportedly linked to an asylum application, is resolved.

Earlier this year, a consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) won a London court appeal to uphold a bankruptcy order against Mallya, pursuing repayment of around 1.05 billion pounds owed by Kingfisher Airlines. In October, Mallya discontinued an application to annul the UK bankruptcy order, allowing the Trustee in Bankruptcy to continue pursuing his assets for the banks.