Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology after a video showing him partying with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The video, shared earlier by Modi on social media platforms, showed the two men celebrating Mallya’s birthday at a private gathering in London, where they jokingly referred to themselves as the “biggest fugitives of India.” The remark was widely perceived as mocking Indian authorities and triggered strong public backlash.
Following criticism, Lalit Modi took to X to clarify his position and express regret. He said he had the highest respect for the Indian government and apologised for hurting sentiments, stating that the comment was misconstrued and not intended in the manner it was received. He reiterated his apology, particularly addressing the Indian government.
The video quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions from users who criticised the tone of the remarks and questioned the seriousness of enforcement against economic offenders living abroad. Several posts described the episode as an insult to the Indian state and raised concerns over accountability and deterrence in high-profile financial crime cases.
Reacting to the controversy, the Ministry of External Affairs said it had taken strong note of the incident. The ministry reiterated that legal and diplomatic processes are underway to bring economic offenders back to India to face trial, stressing that such cases involve complex and multi-layered legal proceedings across jurisdictions.
Vijay Mallya is wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering linked to loans taken for the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Lalit Modi, meanwhile, faces allegations of financial misconduct and procedural irregularities during the initial years of the Indian Premier League, when he served as its chairman.
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