Daijiworld Media Network - London (MS)

London, Feb 14: After the end of his three-day British High court appeal, liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who owes around Rs 9,000 crore to Indian banks has asked them to take back the principal amount on Thursday, February 13.

Vijay Mallya accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of treating him unfairly over the alleged Rs 9,000 crore amount he owes to banks.

After his appeal ended, Vijay Mallya said, "It is my humble request to the banks to take 100 percent of your principal back immediately."

"I have not committed any offence under PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act). I do not understand why the ED should suo moto attach my assets? I am asking the banks to take back their money but the ED is saying that they have claim over my assets. So it is basically a fight between the ED and banks."

The two member bench of London court said that they will give their verdict on a later date after considering all the oral and written submissions. There were heated arguments between the lawyer representing Vijay Mallya and the one who is representing government of India in the court room.

The lawyer arguing for government of India said, "Mallya has provided false documents to get the loans and has utilized the money for some other purpose than for which it was given and subsequently refused to give back the money. The jury will definitely consider this as a patently dishonesty."

Mallya was present in the three-day appeal hearing in the court, though it is not required to attend the same, as he is on bail against his extradition warrant.

The London court judge has found clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of loan funds by Mallya after a lengthy one-year long extradition trail prima facie. However, Mallya secured bail on his extradition warrant in April 2017 on a bond of 650,000 pounds. But there are other restrictions on his travel as he still facing the case.