Lalit Modi backtracks, apologizes to Indian govt after facing heat over Mallya video

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Lalit Modi, facing charges of embezzlement worth crores of rupees and declared a fugitive economic offender in India, has once again found himself in controversy. On December 22nd, a video surfaced showing him with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya. In the video, Lalit Modi described himself and Vijay Mallya as "India's two biggest fugitives," sparking strong reactions across the country.

After the video went viral, the Indian government issued a strong response. The government reiterated its full commitment to bringing both Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi back to India. Following this government stance, Lalit Modi appears to be on the back foot and has publicly apologized for his statement.

Lalit Modi expressed regret by posting on the social media platform X, writing that he apologized if his statement hurt anyone's sentiments, especially those of the Indian government. He stated that his statement was not intended as it was perceived and that he apologized again for any misunderstanding.

What's the whole controversy?

Actually, on December 22nd, on Vijay Mallya's birthday, Lalit Modi shared a video on social media in which he was seen with Mallya. Posting the video, Lalit Modi wrote, "Let's shake the internet again. Especially for you media folks. Watch with envy." In the video, Vijay Mallya was seen smiling with his partner Pinky Lalwani.

Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi face serious charges

It's worth noting that Vijay Mallya has been living in the UK since 2016 and was officially declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019. He is accused of defaulting on bank loans worth thousands of crores of rupees. Lalit Modi, meanwhile, has been living abroad since 2010 and faces several serious charges related to tax evasion, money laundering, and the IPL.