New Delhi/Mumbai: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Friday dismissed claims that he had fled the country even as British liquor giant Diageo said it has paid $40 million out of $75 million as part of their deal.
“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,” Mr Mallya tweeted on Friday. He, however, did not disclose his location.
Maintaining that he will comply with the law, Mr Mallya tweeted: “As an Indian MP, I fully respect (the law) and will comply with it. Our judicial system is sound and respected. But no trial by media.”
Accusing the media of spreading lies in an attempt to increase its viewership ratings, the founder of defunct Kingfisher Airlines said: “Once a media witch hunt starts, it escalates into a raging fire where truth and facts are burnt to ashes. Let media bosses not forget help, favours, accommodation that I have provided over several years which are documented. Now lies to gain TRP?.”
Meanwhile, Diageo on said it will "review" the Debt Recovery Tribunal's order freezing $75-million payout to him as part of their agreement for stepping down as chairman of United Spirits and for entering into a non-compete pact.
Staking its claim on this payout deal stuck by Mr Mallya in a sweetheart deal with Diageo, top lender State Bank of India had approached the Tribunal in Bengaluru. The Tribunal earlier this week barred the beleaguered businessman from accessing this exit payment till the loan default case with the state-run bank was settled.
