Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya (File photo)
NEW DELHI: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi on Monday issued an apology for his recent social media remarks after a video featuring him with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya triggered a backlash.In a post on X, Lalit Modi said he never intended to offend anyone, particularly the Indian government, and claimed his comments had been “misconstrued”.
“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings, especially the Indian government, for whom I have the highest respect and regard. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again, my deepest apologies,” he wrote.The apology came after Lalit Modi posted a clip on Instagram in which he jokingly referred to himself and Mallya as “the two biggest fugitives of India”.“Let me do something to break the internet again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya. Love u,” Lalit Modi captioned the post.After the video surfaced, the ministry of external affairs reiterated India’s position on those facing charges at home but living abroad.“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and are wanted by law in India return to the country. For this particular return, we are in talks with several governments, and processes are on,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya face legal cases in India over alleged financial irregularities, allegations they have denied.Lalit Modi, a former cricket administrator and the founder of the Indian Premier League, left India in 2010 after probes were launched into financial irregularities linked to the league’s early years. He has remained abroad since.Vijay Mallya is believed to be out on bail in the UK and has continued to oppose his extradition to India while a “confidential” legal matter.Earlier this year, a consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) won a London court appeal that upheld a bankruptcy order against Mallya. The case is part of a long-running effort to recover about £1.05 billion owed by Kingfisher Airlines.
