Vijay Mallya alleges bogus claims made, says have become 'Poster Boy' of bank default

Beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya today said that he has become the "Poster Boy" of bank default and a lightning rod of public anger. Breaking his silence about the "factual position in response to the controversy unfortunately surrounding" him, Mallya said he had written letters to both the Prime Minister and the finance minister on April 15, 2016 to explain his side of the story. However, "no response was received from either of them," said the fugitive businessman in a statement.
 
"I have been accused by politicians and the media alike of having stolen and run away with Rs 9,000 crores that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA). Some of the lending Banks have also labelled me a wilful defaulter," the statement further said. 
 
Currently fighting against extradition to India from the UK, Mallya reportedly said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have filed charge sheets against him "with various untenable and blatantly false allegations acting at the behest of the government and lending Banks". 
 
"The ED have also attached assets belonging to me, my Group Companies and companies owned and/or controlled by my family under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) currently valued at approximately Rs 13,900 crore," Mallya said, adding "I have become the 'Poster Boy' of Bank default and a lightning rod of public anger". 
 
The beleaguered businessman, who is currently in the UK, stated that the “time has come” for to state the factual position in the reply to the controversy, said a Reuters report.
 
The letter reportedly said that Mallya has also agreed to settle the dues of Indian banks. However, he made it clear that some of the claims made by the consortium of banks are bogus. He said, “Bulk of the claims of PSU Banks is on account of interest.”  
 
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"I am tired of this relentless pursuit of me by the government and criminal agencies. All my efforts are either ignored or misunderstood. Recovery of loans is a civil matter which has been criminalized in my case," the letter reportedly said.