Former liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s son Siddharth Mallya, appearing in the Netflix docuseries Bad Boy Billionaires has said that his father is a “political pawn” as “they (the government) need a man to make an example of”.
Mallya has spoken for the first time since the bank fraud worth Rs 9,000 crore involving his father came to light.
Siddharth Mallya said in the docuseries “They are saying he didn’t pay his employees, he looted the banks, he fled from the authorities, he money laundered, he siphoned funds…it’s political and they need a scapegoat. They need a political pawn; they need a man to make an example of.”
The controversial series is available on Netflix and Siddharth Mallya is seen talking about his father’s current situation in this docuseries
https://www.netflix.com/title/80990073
Siddharth Mallya, who is an actor, added that his father was an easy target because of his lifestyle.
“Everyone wants scandal, everyone wants a bit of spice, everyone wants a bit of controversy. You know, he was in a sexy business, making alcohol. It’s not like he was, you know, making steel somewhere or something, it’s a lifestyle brand. Therefore, it’s much easier to target him,” said Mallya.
He added that his father revolutionized air travel in India and genuinely tried to save the airline.
On his father’s lavish parties, Mallya said, “He (Vijay Mallya) was one of the first people in India who wasn’t afraid of spending his money.”
“He was unapologetic (about it),” Mallya added.
