All allegations are fabricated: Mallya
Controversial businessman Vijay Mallya was defianton Monday, days before his full extradition trial begins in a London court, insisting that all the charges brought by the Indian government are “baseless and fabricated”.
Speaking outside the Westminster magistrates court, Mallya refused to comment further and asked journalists to attend the trial beginning December 4.
“Come to court and you will hear it all.”
When asked why he didn’t return hometo fight the charges, the 61-year-old Mallya said “that is none of your business.”
Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot heard both sides on procedural matters and said the trial will begin at 10 am(UKtime) on December 4.
She told Mallya his bail conditions will remain in force till the trial begins, and asked him to appear in the court at 9.30am on the day of the hearing.
A revised position statement wassubmittedtothejudgebythe UK Crown’s Crown Prosecution Service on behalf of the Indian government.
Mallya defrauded several Indian banks to the tune of ~9,000 crore. The CPS had presented additional “supplemental” charges of money laundering to the previous charges of fraud at the October 3 hearing.
His lawyer Claire Montgom- ery said the defence will present witnesses when the trial begins. Key issues raised by Mallya's side to opposeIndia’s demandfor extradition include the prison conditions in the country.
India has already given an assurance that Mallya will not face any threat to his life if he were to be extradited and held at theArthur Road Jailin Mumbai.
Known for his flashy lifestyle and lavish parties attended by Bollywood stars, he once held investments in a liquor company, an airline, a Formula One team and an Indian Premier League cricket club.
LONDON: