'Vijay Mallya not absconding, will return to India, clear his dues'

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Coming out in support of embezzled businessman Vijay Mallya, Ex-Executive Director of Kingfisher Airlines Parvez Damania on Sunday said the liquor baron was not absconding from the country, and would soon return to sort out all the pending issues.

While talking to ANI Damania said, "Foremost, I would like to say that he has not fled the country. He might have gone abroad to avoid the heat and tensed atmosphere in the nation. I believe that he would sort out all the outstanding issues, including bank debts and also clear his dues, pay the salary to its employees, which are long-standing. I am sure he will do the needful.

"When questioned about a Hyderabad Court issuing non-bailable warrant against Mallya for allegedly defaulting payments and cheating by issuing cheques that bounced, Damania said: "I think Mallya is more than capable in sorting out such issue, I am sure he will pay that amount."

A Hyderabad Court has issued non-bailable warrants against Mallya and his defunct company Kingfisher Airlines` Chief Financial Officer A. Raghunath, and directed the duo to appear before the court on April 13.