Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi issued a public apology on Monday after a social media video featuring fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya sparked widespread criticism. Modi said his remarks were misunderstood and insisted he never intended to offend the Indian government or hurt public sentiment.
The controversy erupted after Modi posted a short Instagram video in which he appeared alongside Mallya. In a joking remark, he referred to both of them as “the biggest fugitives of India.” The post coincided with Mallya’s birthday and quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing sharp reactions from users and political observers alike.
Many critics accused Modi of trivialising serious criminal cases and mocking India’s justice system. The backlash intensified as screenshots and clips from the video circulated widely online.
Modi Issues Public Apology
Amid mounting criticism, Lalit Modi addressed the issue on X, formerly Twitter, and issued an apology. He said his words were taken out of context and expressed regret for any offence caused.
“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings, especially the Indian government, for whom I have the highest respect and regard,” Modi wrote. “My statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be portrayed in this manner. Once again, my deepest apologies.”
The statement appeared aimed at calming outrage while distancing Modi from the perception that he was celebrating or downplaying his legal troubles.
Government Reiterates Stand on Fugitives
Soon after the video gained traction, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s position on individuals facing criminal charges who reside abroad. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed that the government remains committed to bringing fugitives back to India through diplomatic and legal channels.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring that people who are fugitives and wanted by law in India return to the country,” Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi. “We are in discussions with several governments, and the processes are ongoing.”
The MEA’s remarks underscored that the controversy had revived broader concerns around accountability and extradition.
Legal Troubles of Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya
Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya continue to face multiple legal cases in India over alleged financial irregularities, allegations they have repeatedly denied.
Lalit Modi left India in 2010 after authorities began investigating financial misconduct linked to the IPL’s early years. Since then, he has lived abroad while contesting legal proceedings from outside the country.
Vijay Mallya, the former chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, resides in the United Kingdom. He faces charges related to loan defaults and financial mismanagement. Mallya continues to oppose his extradition to India, where banks and investigative agencies seek his return.
Earlier this year, a consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India secured a favourable ruling in a London court. The court upheld a bankruptcy order against Mallya, part of an effort to recover nearly £1.05 billion in unpaid dues linked to Kingfisher Airlines.
Renewed Debate on Accountability
The episode has once again brought attention to the conduct of high-profile individuals facing criminal charges and the sensitivity surrounding public statements made by them. It has also reignited debate over how such figures use social media and the message it sends to the public.
As India continues its efforts to pursue economic offenders abroad, the incident highlights the political, legal, and symbolic weight carried by public appearances involving fugitives.
