'We're biggest fugitives': Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya joke while partying
What's the story
In a recent video, fugitive businessman Lalit Modi introduced himself and fellow fugitive Vijay Mallya as the "biggest fugitives of India." The video was filmed at Mallya's birthday party in London and shared on Instagram by Modi with the caption: "Let me do something to break the internet down again. Something for you folks. Wat your heart out with envy (sic)." The post has since sparked controversy and criticism online.
Twitter Post
Video of Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya in London
A joke was cracked, light-hearted on the surface, sharp beneath it. “We’re the biggest fugitives of India,” one of them said, laughing.
— BALA (@erbmjha) December 23, 2025
The words landed like a punchline for those in the room, but for millions watching from India, it felt like mockery.
Back in India, banks are… pic.twitter.com/XxV96I6Dfx
Public reaction
Video sparks controversy, criticism online
The video has drawn sharp reactions from netizens, with one user commenting, "What a mockery they have made of Indian government." Another user wrote, "You ain't breaking no internet son sit down." Some users also criticized Indian authorities for allowing such behavior. One user wrote, "Indian law shame that they dare to make such a video (sic)."
Extradition proceedings
Modi and Mallya's legal troubles in India
Modi and Mallya are both wanted by Indian authorities for financial crimes. The Enforcement Directorate has accused Modi of manipulating IPL broadcast rights in 2009 for a kickback of over ₹125 crore. He left India in 2010 amid tax evasion and money laundering allegations. Meanwhile, Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender under the Prevention of MoneyLaundering Act (PMLA) in January 2019 after defaulting on loan repayments.
Ongoing extradition
Mallya's legal battles in UK
Mallya, who fled India in March 2016, is wanted for fraud and money laundering involving loans over ₹9,000 crore. He has been living in the UK since then and is currently contesting his extradition to India. The Bombay High Court recently asked Mallya when he plans to return to India and said it would not hear his plea against the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act until he submits himself to its jurisdiction.