A recent video showing Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya enjoying a lavish party has gone viral, where they are seen casually referring to themselves as India’s “biggest fugitives.” The clip sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many questioning how the two economic offenders appear so unfazed. Taking note of the viral clip, the central government on Friday responded to the matter. The development has once again brought the issue of absconding businessmen into the national spotlight.
Indian Government responds after viral Lalit Modi–Vijay Mallya video triggers fresh outrage
The central government on Friday reacted to a viral video from London featuring fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, which has once again put the issue of absconding economic offenders in sharp focus. The clip, widely circulated on social media, sparked renewed debate over how long such high-profile figures continue to remain outside India despite facing serious legal cases.
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Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s firm stand on fugitives who have fled the country to evade the law. Making the government’s position clear, Jaiswal stressed that sustained efforts are underway to ensure such individuals are brought back to face justice in India.
Jaiswal said,
“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and wanted by law in India, return to the country. For this, we are in talks with several governments and processes are on. There are several layers of legalities involved but we remain committed to bringing them back to the country so they can face trial before the courts here.”
The government’s response aims to send a strong message amid public anger that the issue of fugitives has not been sidelined. With diplomatic engagements and legal procedures continuing across multiple jurisdictions, the Centre has reiterated that accountability remains non-negotiable and that fugitives like Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya will be pursued through every available legal route.
Check it out,
#WATCH | Delhi: On being asked about fugitives Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and wanted by law in India, return to the country. For this, we are in talks with several governments and… https://t.co/Qvc71IDLJ7 pic.twitter.com/a8oAmGnXW1
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025
The Viral Lalit Modi–Vijay Mallya video that set off a storm
The viral video that triggered nationwide outrage traces back to a series of social media posts shared by Lalit Modi from London, offering glimpses of birthday celebrations for Vijay Mallya. Shot during a lavish gathering, the clip shows the two fugitive businessmen in a relaxed setting, surrounded by guests, laughter, and festivities—an image that sharply contrasted with their legal status in India and quickly caught public attention.
What escalated the backlash was a moment in the video where Lalit Modi is clearly heard saying,
“We are the two fugitives, the biggest fugitives of India.”
The remark, delivered casually amid the celebrations, spread rapidly across platforms, with many viewing it as a brazen acknowledgement made far away from Indian law.
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Have a look,
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🚨 🇮🇳 UNBELIEVABLE! Embezzler of billions Lalit Modi brags on camera about being India’s top fugitive on the run!
Vijay Mallya there but stays silent, skipping the shameless tirade.
These audacious criminals must be extradited back to India at any cost! pic.twitter.com/ijeNYZM4wB
— Uday Singh (@udaysinghkali) December 23, 2025
The video was part of a larger set of posts documenting Mallya’s milestone birthday celebrations in London, including gatherings at Lalit Modi’s residence in Belgrave Square and appearances by international celebrities and business figures. While the Instagram post was later deleted, the visuals had already gone viral, turning a private celebration into a flashpoint that reignited debate over fugitives and their privilege.
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What are Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of?
Lalit Modi has been living outside India since 2010, after stepping down as the IPL commissioner amid allegations of financial irregularities. He is accused of money laundering, bid manipulation, and violations of foreign exchange laws linked to the IPL. Indian authorities have been seeking his return for over a decade, while he continues to deny all charges.
Vijay Mallya left India in March 2016, shortly before banks moved to recover loans taken by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He is accused of fraud, money laundering, and cheating a consortium of Indian banks by allegedly diverting loan funds. Since then, Mallya has remained in the UK, contesting extradition while maintaining that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing.
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With the issue of high-profile fugitives once again in the spotlight, the debate around accountability and justice has resurfaced. What are your thoughts on this entire episode? Do share your views in the comments below.
